Tuesday, August 4, 1998

Pound policies

The pound lied to the public about their kill policies.

Over the phone, they claim every pet is microchipped scanned before killing them. The truth came only when I physically visited the pound and spoke with the "back room" workers. They admitted to scanning all dogs and no cats.

I called the Assistant Director of Community Services who confirmed my findings but assured me the pound policy will now include scanning cats.

I do not believe it as long as there is a clause stating workers have the option of not scanning a cat judged too wild. A housecat lost on the street, starved and probably abused, is going to act wild.

It is easier to take the low road and kill it without scanning it. Grieving owners of lost cats, like myself, who paid to have their pet microchipped deserve better.

Even so-called wild cats should be scanned preferably before, but definitely after, they are killed. This would assure microchip cat owners of closure.

Scanning so-called wild cats after death would also ensure the vast majority of cats are scanned before death because the incentive to say it is wild and not have to scan at all is removed. The pound should be ashamed for what it has done and also for their policy of killing an animal in as little as 2 days.

Most communities keep a pet for at least 5 days to give owners a chance to come in. Please pet owners, call the Director of Community Services and voice your opinions.

MARY J. WARNER

Abilene TX 79605

Show compassion

The Reporter-News is to be commended for their excellent coverage on the recent story of the Merkel dog owner charged with cruelty to animals.

Any animal who suffers, human or nonhuman, is at the mercy of us who care enough to report it to authorities.

I want to encourage everyone who sees a suffering or neglected being to never hesitate to report it. We are the only voice for those who can't protect theirselves or speak out for their own safety.

All individuals, human and nonhuman, have the right to be respected and live peacefully without fear of harm or persecution.

Every day, in order to maximize profits, thousands of animals die of dehydration or heat exhaustion, from spending days without food or water in overcrowded trucks while being transported to feedlots or slaughterhouses.

Eight billion living creatures a year have their throats slit open because of the money being made from abusing them.

No laws protect these creatures who suffer just as much as your pet dog or cat.

The least you can do to show your ompassion for animals is to stop eating them. For each person who deletes meat from their diet, 2,400 animals are saved annually! Show your compassion!

Diane Meier.

Abilene

Poor Ken Starr

CNN reported Monday morning that Thomas Jefferson had an affair with a young mistress while he was in office. Poor Ken Starr, his work is just never finished.

Gary Reed

Sweetwater