FREE TO A GOOD HOME? 

This time of year you see them everywhere, people outside of stores and in parking lots with litters of unwanted kittens or puppies. Many "free to a good home" ads appear in the paper for puppies, kittens, dogs, and cats. This is very upsetting for those of us who work for humane societies. We know first hand what happens to these "free" pets. Most are given away to anyone who will take them without checking out the adopters or their homes. People who take a free puppy or kitten given away in a parking lot do so on impulse and have not made plans or provisions for a pet. They also put no value on something they get free and the home very often doesn't work out. The sad fact is there are far too many puppies and kittens born for the homes available. In Pearl River County, only 1 in 10 will find a loving, permanent home. 

Many of these free pets are taken only to be sold for research or used for Pit bull bait to train these dogs to fight. Be very suspicious of anyone who wants to take the whole litter. The latest horror is a man on the Internet who advocates eating dogs and cats, complete with directions for skinning and cooking them He advises people about how easy it is to get these animals from "free to a good home" ads. We urge those who insist on giving pets away to please check out the people who are adopting them, ask for visitation so you can be sure they are going to a responsible home, and insist that they be spayed/neutered at 6 months of age. 

Even sadder than those given away to uncaring homes are those which are thrown out on the roads to "make it on their own". They are brought to us by compassionate people who pick them up off the road sick and staving or with broken bodies from being hit by cars. We thank God that these kind people care enough to take time to do this so the poor creature doesn't lie out there suffering until it dies. 

Those of us who really care about animals urge people with unwanted pets to please bring them to the animal shelter where they will be given a comfortable place to stay, nutritious food, and a chance for adoption by a responsible pet owner. They will be kept as long as possible. The SPCA can also help the pet owner get the mama dog or cat spayed so she won't produce anymore unwanted litters. We, at the SPCA, are doing all we can to help end pet overpopulation Please help us by spaying I neutering your pet and by urging others to do so. Thank you.

Maria Diamond

President, Pearl River County SPCA