Montrose - Daily Press

Callous acts not acceptable

Re: Daily Press article, July 8

As concerned members of the Montrose Animal Protection Agency (MAPA), we were extremely upset by the article in the July 8 Montrose Daily Press concerning the callous and criminal disposal of live kittens in a city dumpster.  Although a concerned citizen tried to intervene by contacting Animal Control, it was too late for the animals involved in this tragedy.  Rather than think that the person responsible felt that his/her actions were acceptable, we would prefer to think that s/he was unaware that other more humane and appropriate options were available.

Advertisement

The Montrose Animal Shelter accepts unwanted animals and pursues a proactive adoption policy, attempting to find homes for these animals locally as well as participating in animal exchanges with other agencies to increase the likelihood of adoption.  They also participate in low cost spay and neuter clinics at the shelter, one of which is coming up on July 19 (by appointment, 240-1487).  Spaying or neutering a pet would eliminate the reason for such  a horrible occurrence as the kitten dumping just reported. Additionally, a neutered pet is generally a healthier, happier, easier to manage pet for its owners. It is as easy to drop an animal at the shelter on North Townsend during their open hours as it is to drop the animal by the side of the road.  

The Montrose Animal Protection Agency, when money is available through personal or business donations as well as grants, partially funds the cost of spaying/neutering of companion animals for those people who meet our financial guidelines. Unfortunately, MAPA is currently not funding such procedures due to a lack of funds being available. In fiscal year 2008, MAPA has already expended $25,360 for the spay/neutering of 479 companion animals in Montrose County, including the West End. Until new money comes in, no further assistance will be able to be given. MAPA will resume partial funding when sufficient new money becomes available. However, people should keep MAPA in mind as a possible future source of financial assistance for spay/neutering which would prevent unwanted litters of kittens or puppies who might meet an unfortunate end.  

We sincerely hope that Montrose has not become so “big” during our recent growth spurts, or people have become so distressed during these tough economic times, that such callous acts might become “acceptable“ ways to dispose of unwanted animals, especially when there are other alternatives. That would be a poor commentary on the moral nature of the majority of the residents in our community. We in MAPA do not think we have come to that.

Bonnie Fast, Wendy Burrell and Susan J. Kroll Wise

Montrose Animal

Protection Agency

Comments