To the editor

The people of Scotland County are kind, generous, and caring to those in need and that frequently extends to their animals; however, for far too many, there appears to be a barrier to getting their pets neutered to prevent over-population.

There are few days when puppies and kittens are not dropped-off at the shelter. The capacity of the shelter is limited. What do most people think happens to these unwanted pets? The old adage "Oh, the shelter will find them a good home" may be a salve to those dropping them off, but creates real problems for the shelter staff. The shelter does try to find good homes, but there is a limit especially during tough economic times as exists today. The shelter becomes overwhelmed with the sheer number of pets deposited and the number of good dogs and cats that must be euthanized or 'put down' keeps increasing. This creates a strain on the staff, (who must make choices),on the budget of the shelter, on the volunteers (as I ), and we continually try to find another solution.

The better solution would be for people to have their pets neutered at six months of age and prevent the unending multiplication of pets that become unwanted after a few months.

Animals do not think in terms of control, but mankind can; so be a better man/woman/child and help your pet control this ceaseless multiplication by having your pet neutered. If you say, oh, I can easily give them away, you are feeding the problem! Those getting your puppies or kittens may get them neutered, but generally do not and the excess, uncared for pets continues. Some people do not take the responsibility of placing them in the shelter, but just "let them go" out of their vehicles far enough away to prevent their return and thus allow (if they live) them to breed and result in 'stray' dogs or feral cats.

Neutering will not change your pets devotion to you, their weight, or response, but will decrease the number of unwanted pets.

Thank you for reading my plea for the animals.

P. Jean Kincaid