Editor:
Re: Surrey to ban tethering of dogs, April 26.
It sickens me to read these negative articles about dog abuse.
While in Mexico, I had to look at these poor creatures who are malnourished and mistreated. There are so many that are hobbling around with broken limbs, they have more than likely been hit by cars but somehow manage to keep going – not too long, as the average life expectancy of a dog in Mexico is five years. I do what I can to help, but I learned early on it was not my place to judge, as it was not my country.
In this country, however, we have two sides of the spectrum.
Some people treat their dogs like children; the dogs sleep on their bed, they travel with them, they have the best of food and health care if they should get hurt.
Then we hear about the other side, about people who mistreat or neglect their dogs, or keep them solely for protecting their property, in which case wouldn’t an alarm system be more appropriate?
Sometimes, the reason is not necessarily malicious. They just don’t think about the consequences of their actions. They can’t plead ignorance, because we are constantly reminded by the SPCA and other organizations out to help animals.
I am so glad that someone like Janet Olsen is not afraid to get involved and try to do something about this. We should all be more proactive when it comes to animals.
The other related article in the same edition (Stop Puppy Mills, says MLA), was also disturbing. I think this is sheer greed and the people should be heavily fined.
Also, the media should be held responsible, i.e. the Disney movie about dalmations depicts them as fun-loving dogs – so cute when they are small – but doesn’t specify that when they are adults, they are big dogs and need a lot of exercise. Many people went out and bought this breed for their children, not realizing the commitment they need. Or, chihuahuas. People don’t realize how loud and obnoxious they can be, and not at all suited for children.
People need to do more research when they buy or adopt a dog.
At the same time, dog breeders should stop breeding just for the money and because a breed happens to be the “flavour of the year.”
D. Barros, White Rock
• • •
Thank you to Janet Olson, who brought to Surrey council’s attention the need to ban chained and tethered dogs – and there are many.
Olson presented a video in support of her presentation that was provided by the Animal Advocates Society in North Vancouver, which is another amazing private animal-rescue organization.
I invite anyone who wishes to view the video, Ten Years on a Chain: Rescued Dog’s Happy Ending, on Youtube. The dog in this video suffered for 10 years at the hands of its owner, yet we have people in authority to protect our animals.
So why does this continue to happen? And is there any wonder why we have private organizations doing what they do illegally?
I think letter-writer Perry Walker (Our society fails to prevent cruelty, April 24) said it best: “No one with ears to hear or eyes to see or a heart to feel can walk a block in any neighbourhood and not be aware…”
Now is the time for us all to come together to support Olson and others who help rescue our animals who give us unconditional love but suffer by the very people who claim to love them, their owners.
It sickens me to think that these animals are now being returned to them for the abuse to continue.
Cheryl Berti, White Rock