A family in this very town, in my very own area, is heartbroken that their family pet has been killed by a marauding dog pack. We have been dealing with this issue for some time and are no closer to solving the problem than we were when it first began.
We have put our thoughts together and still have no answer, and we are continuously plagued with call after call of their sightings. People are frightened that the next attacks will be on the citizens. They might not be wrong. However, packs are unpredictable, so we have no assurance that they might not be dangerous to the public.
Are these factors beyond our control? Well, I have spoken to the chief and he has advised me we cannot shoot them in the city limits. Wanna know why? It is illegal to fire a gun in the city limits! HUH? Terrie can't go out into the county to track and shoot them and wouldn't -- a sharp shooter would be nice here.
Consequently, all the animal lovers that are feeding them will get in a snit, because how humane is that? We can't tranq them because they distance themselves too far away to hit them -- also, they run once tranqed and must be followed to keep track of the syringe and fetch the animal.
The county sends the complaints to the Humane Society of Blytheville. (We are not the Humane Society of Mississippi County.) Obviously, I have reached the age that I can't catch an animal that does not wish to be caught. I am afraid my days of trotting out in the fields and brush are over.
I must admit I have not spoken to the new sheriff regarding the problem. But I have every intention of doing just that!
Isn't it interesting that so many folks are so concerned that the pack exists, and yet it is the human factor that creates the majority of it's own problems! We have trapped many and tranqed a few, yet the pack continues to grow as we grow weary at feeling helpless. All but two of our traps have either been stolen or ripped apart by who knows.
Volunteers are truly the backbone of shelters. I suspect we need the cooperation of the county to help us track and do whatever it takes to stop the growth of these packs. We need to educate the public to stop taking the animals to the county and turning them loose. We need to discourage the feeding of the pack animals in the city. It will take spotters to locate them. We know they are creatures of habit and they are going to pack and will choose an area they feel safe and sleep. It will take more of a force than we presently have. It will take more than talking about it! It will take a group to organize and take action. I am willing to do what I can to stop the ongoing multiplication of the packs. I believe we may have more than one pack that roams our city streets.
Disclaimer: The above are my thoughts and beliefs and in no way expresses the feeling of the local shelter. This is not to say they are against or for my beliefs; I did not discuss it recently with them. As always in a group, there are differences of opinions and whose responsibility these paths fall under and we all know that there is just so much we can do under the boundaries of the law.
Jazz sez: "Happiness is knowing a flower will grow where you've planted a seed."
Shelter needs: Patience, understanding and the power of love always for these animals that so need a home. Thanks for the opportunity to ventilate. If you have an answer, please pass it along. We are all in this together against violence to humans and other animals.