What can we do to stop animal cruelty?
by Cherokee Tribune Staff Writer Ashley Fuller
September 17, 2010 05:34 PM | 1179 views | 2 2 comments | 11 11 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Another case of animal neglect has been found in Cherokee County.

More than 120 cats and dogs were rescued from a Sugar Mill Lane house earlier this week.

The animals were found after neighbors called police to complain about the smell coming from the home. Authorities wearing biohazard suits also found the carcasses of 23 cats and one dog. Authorities say the house was filled with mounds of animal waste and rooms of garbage.

Last July, the Cherokee County Marshal’s Office went to a house on Russell King Lane and removed more than 20 dogs living in squalid conditions.

Earlier this month, just south of Cherokee County, a Cobb County couple was arrested after police found dead animals and feces in a home where two children also live. The couple was charged with child cruelty and cruelty to animals.

I am not a pet owner. I have watched after dogs owned by my brother and his wife. I always enjoy playing with their three dogs and could never imagine treating them so cruelly.

Our pets, specifically dogs, are so hopelessly devoted to us. They trust us implicitly. I cannot fathom why a person would take advantage of that trust.

While these stories do not seem to be happening every week, they are always shocking. What, if anything, could be done to prevent this kind of story from happening in the future?

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Comments
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Lore2010
|
September 20, 2010
People who don't take responsibility for their animals should be blamed. If all dogs and cats were spayed/neutered we would not have the pet over-population problem. People who take in too many dogs and/or cats would not feel the need to "rescue". Rather than punish people who become overwhelmed, Cherokee County should punish the deadbeats who just dump their pets on the street. Animal Control should troll the classified ads and flea markets and pick up unaltered puppies and kittens so that they're not bought by irresponsible people. Or so-called breeders. Homes with "free puppies and kittens" should be visited and the animals removed. There are far too many unaltered dogs and cats in Georgia. Virginia requires a spay/neuter certificate along with rabies certificates. Rather than complain and blame, volunteer at the Cherokee County Shelter. Be part of the solution, not the problem.
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Eric Schrader
|
September 17, 2010
We stop animal cruelty by making serious examples of the offenders, like hard jail time, not a slap on the wrist. The Marshall's office needs to follow "to the letter" the local, county and state codes related to animal cruelty. When it's 19 degrees outside at night in winter or 100 degrees during a summer day, the dogs are at risk, but everyone is afraid of "offending" the owner. Use the police power that government has and stop the cruelty dead in it's tracks or we will have more dead animals.
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