Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, July 18, 1993                   TAG: 9307200572
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: C-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

NEW LAW WILL HELP THE PROBLEM

Unfortunately, this problem is not just found in the Roanoke Valley. All over the United States, thousands of animals are euthanized every day. Last year, 1,386 animals were euthanized at the Franklin County pound. Most of them were puppies and kittens left abandoned at a dumpster or at a remote location, undoubtedly because people who had them couldn't or wouldn't try to find homes for them. There are so many people who are willing to take in a new pet. And if people would just spay or neuter their pets, we wouldn't have this growing problem.

You should have mentioned in your editorial that a law passed by the General Assembly, which became effective July 1, requires sterilization of dogs and cats adopted from "releasing agencies" (e.g., SPCAs and Humane Societies). This means that at the time of adoption an agreement must be signed that the animal will be spayed or neutered within 30 days of the adoption date if it is sexually mature, or within 30 days of when the animal becomes sexually mature. Any person violating this law is subject to a civil penalty, not to exceed $50.

Keep up the good work by keeping readers informed on all of these important animal issues! CAROL E. PALMIERI President Franklin County Humane Society ROCKY MOUNT