ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, July 21, 1996 TAG: 9607220003
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-11 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: CLAWS & PAWS
SOURCE: JILL BOWEN
Q: What can be done to educate people about the suffering caused by pet abandonment?
A: It is heartbreaking to see the number of stray cats that scavenge around many of the apartment buildings in Blacksburg.
At the end of each college semester, and particularly at the end of the academic year in the spring, many animals are abandoned by their owners. It would seem that students are one of the major culprits in this regard, being unable or unwilling to take the animals with them when they go home for vacation.
My veterinary colleagues, in and around Blacksburg, tell me of far too many instances where students have simply left their pets behind in vacant apartments and these are only found when the cleaning crews go in.
It is a tragic situation for these animals and increases the problem of feral and homeless animals in the New River Valley, as well as causing unnecessary animal suffering. Many of these animals have not been inoculated against rabies, which is illegal, nor have they been neutered. An unspayed female cat can produce as many as 25 kittens in one breeding season.
Some of these improvident pet owners may assume that their abandoned pet will easily find another home; however this rarely happens.
It is illegal to abandon a domestic animal and may result in a significant fine if the transgressing owner is traced. While cats are the pets most commonly abandoned, it is not uncommon for dogs, rabbits, lizards and other animals to be discarded.
A particularly cruel technique is to drive out into the country and push the unwanted pet out onto the side of the road before driving off. I know of several instances where a litter of unwanted puppies has been left in a cardboard box by the side of an interstate highway or at the local dumpster.
It is vitally important for pet owners who do not desire to breed their cats or dogs to have them neutered. If they are unable to keep an animal, they should make arrangements to place it in a good home.
If all sincere efforts fail to find a home for the animal, the owner should consider taking it to a local animal welfare organization.
The Humane Society and Animal Care Inc. are inundated with unwanted pets, particularly in the spring and summer, and may not be able to take in all the abandoned and stray pets that are brought to them.
These organizations are both "no kill" facilities, but they have limited resources and are already stretched to the limit with the care and placement of rescued animals.
Both of these facilities are nonprofit organizations and welcome donations to help care for as many animals as possible.
They also rely on volunteers to help with the care of the animals. Anyone who is concerned about animal welfare and would like to help please contact the Humane Society or Animal Care Inc. directly.
There is one caveat: be prepared to adopt at least one stray dog or cat; they are quite irresistible and all need loving homes.
Feral animals, whether neutered or entire, not only menace wildlife and birds, but also act as a reservoir of unwanted diseases for both cats and dogs.
The are very susceptible to rabies and can be a public health hazard to humans. The sooner society educates pet owners as to their responsibilities, the better.
Strays that are picked up by the animal control officers go to the county pound and if they are not claimed within five days are destroyed.
The telephone number for the Humane Society Animal Shelter is 540-382-1166 and for Animal Care Inc. it is 540-552-7925.
If you have a question for Jill Bowen, please write to her in care of the New River Current, P.O. Box 540, Christiansburg, Va. 24073 or send e-mail to newriver@infi.net
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