Animal Tales - Pet is not a disposable household accessory
By Tom Grady
jtgrady@ec.rr.com
Published: Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, March 4, 2011 at 12:04 a.m.
On the Cape Fear Critters blog last weekend, a reader posted a comment suggesting I write on the topic of responsibility in pet guardianship and the principle that pets should not be considered disposable items.
Related Links:
Human medications frequently trigger calls to pet poison hotlines
Wilmington Chihuahua Meetup Group hosts doggy get-together
Casper the cat back at home after 26 days missing
More Information:
For pet news, galleries and videos, visit the StarNews pets page:
For all things animal and pets, read Tom Grady's blog
Is there a law that bans pets, other than service animals, from stores?
Dog database
The reader witnessed someone at an adoption event requesting that a local rescue group take a dog because she or he no longer had time for him.
In a conversation recently with a group of animal advocates, I expressed what I view as one of the ultimate goals of animal rescue. Maybe it’s an unreachable star, but I’d like to see a time when rescue organizations are only needed for cases such as those where someone has lost a job and has to move or where the tragic passing of a guardian means the pet needs a new home.
Unfortunately, situations such as these are occurring now, but all too often cats and dogs are merely deemed disposable.
Thankfully, rescue groups are able to step in to help, in as many cases as possible.
It is difficult to legislate responsibility. We can only hope more people and maybe the next generation accepts it, for family members with fur and without it.
Getting that new puppy or kitten should not be an impulsive decision.
The decision to adopt a pet should be contemplated with the full knowledge that we are taking responsibility for a life and for a lifetime.
Walk for Those Who Can’t set for March 26
The 5th Annual Walk for Those Who Can’t is slated for 10 a.m. March 26 at Hugh MacRae Park in Wilmington. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. The event supports the mission and programs of Carolina Canines for Service.
Visit WalkForThoseWhoCant.org for more information.
Friends of Felines to spay/neuter ferals
Top Dog Names New Hanover County
1. Maggie 420
2. Molly 419
3. Buddy 401
4. Bella 396
5. Bailey 389
6. Max 386
7. Daisy 363
8. Lucy 361
9. Roxy 283
Top 10 Breeds in New Hanover County
1. Labrador retriever 8,422
2. German shepherd 2,059
3. Chihuahua 1,940
4. Golden retriever 1,900
5. Dachshund 1,588
6. Pit bull 1,492
7. Boxer 1,445
8. Poodle 1,377
9. Beagle 1,361
10. Yorkshire terrier 1,313
Does Wrightsville Beach cite people who don’t clean up their pets’ poop?
Ken Little
StarNews
Related Questions
Why is Greenfield Lake no longer being cared for? It is supposed to be one of the attractions in the Wilmington area, yet it looks like a swamp
What happened to the pigeons that used to be in downtown Wilmington? Has the city been feeding them chemicals?
Why are there dead birds on the sidewalk near BB&T downtown?
Why must a family pet’s brain be tested for rabies if it bites its owner and then dies?
Whatever happened to the Wilmington Dog Jog?
Those who don’t clean up after their pet in Wrightsville Beach are subject to a $250 fine for failure to carry a litter device.
“It does get enforced. We can’t watch everybody, but we do check and make sure they have bags all the time. We’re always out on the loop,” says Shannon Slocum, park ranger for the town.
Slocum estimates that about 70 citations have been issued in the first three-quarters of 2009. The $250 fine is non-negotiable and cannot be worked off by the offending pet owner. Stations are located in The Loop area that include free litter bags for dog owners.
“There’s no excuse for not picking up behind your dog. People who do that are better off leaving their pets at home, but we’re very vigilant here on the beach,” Slocum says.
Most pet owners readily comply with the ordinance. “It’s the one or two people we get out here
on a daily basis. They come out here late in the evening and early in the morning and they’re looking around and they will eventually get caught. It’s an expensive day for them,” Slocum says.
People are cited regularly, he says. Other dog owners and town employees often alert Slocum about offenders.
“We can’t be everywhere but we kind of encourage responsible pet owners to monitor the non-responsible ones,” he said. “It’s a health thing. The Loop and the beach attract so many people, you have to be on it all the time.”
Slocum works different hours and moves around The Loop and beach areas. Sometimes he’s in in uniform and sometimes not.
“If you don’t have a bag with you, you will get a ticket, point blank. You have to have something to pick up after your dog,” he says.
Slocum’s office is in the Wrightsville Beach municipal building, near the police department. His telephone number is (910) 256-7945 , ext. 410.
“It’s a respect issue,” he says. “They don’t do it in their neighborhoods. We don’t want them to do it in ours.”
By Tom Grady
jtgrady@ec.rr.com
Published: Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, March 4, 2011 at 12:04 a.m.
On the Cape Fear Critters blog last weekend, a reader posted a comment suggesting I write on the topic of responsibility in pet guardianship and the principle that pets should not be considered disposable items.
Related Links:
Human medications frequently trigger calls to pet poison hotlines
Wilmington Chihuahua Meetup Group hosts doggy get-together
Casper the cat back at home after 26 days missing
More Information:
For pet news, galleries and videos, visit the StarNews pets page:
For all things animal and pets, read Tom Grady's blog
Is there a law that bans pets, other than service animals, from stores?
Dog database
The reader witnessed someone at an adoption event requesting that a local rescue group take a dog because she or he no longer had time for him.
In a conversation recently with a group of animal advocates, I expressed what I view as one of the ultimate goals of animal rescue. Maybe it’s an unreachable star, but I’d like to see a time when rescue organizations are only needed for cases such as those where someone has lost a job and has to move or where the tragic passing of a guardian means the pet needs a new home.
Unfortunately, situations such as these are occurring now, but all too often cats and dogs are merely deemed disposable.
Thankfully, rescue groups are able to step in to help, in as many cases as possible.
It is difficult to legislate responsibility. We can only hope more people and maybe the next generation accepts it, for family members with fur and without it.
Getting that new puppy or kitten should not be an impulsive decision.
The decision to adopt a pet should be contemplated with the full knowledge that we are taking responsibility for a life and for a lifetime.
Walk for Those Who Can’t set for March 26
The 5th Annual Walk for Those Who Can’t is slated for 10 a.m. March 26 at Hugh MacRae Park in Wilmington. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. The event supports the mission and programs of Carolina Canines for Service.
Visit WalkForThoseWhoCant.org for more information.
Friends of Felines to spay/neuter ferals
Top Dog Names New Hanover County
1. Maggie 420
2. Molly 419
3. Buddy 401
4. Bella 396
5. Bailey 389
6. Max 386
7. Daisy 363
8. Lucy 361
9. Roxy 283
Top 10 Breeds in New Hanover County
1. Labrador retriever 8,422
2. German shepherd 2,059
3. Chihuahua 1,940
4. Golden retriever 1,900
5. Dachshund 1,588
6. Pit bull 1,492
7. Boxer 1,445
8. Poodle 1,377
9. Beagle 1,361
10. Yorkshire terrier 1,313
Does Wrightsville Beach cite people who don’t clean up their pets’ poop?
Ken Little
StarNews
Related Questions
Why is Greenfield Lake no longer being cared for? It is supposed to be one of the attractions in the Wilmington area, yet it looks like a swamp
What happened to the pigeons that used to be in downtown Wilmington? Has the city been feeding them chemicals?
Why are there dead birds on the sidewalk near BB&T downtown?
Why must a family pet’s brain be tested for rabies if it bites its owner and then dies?
Whatever happened to the Wilmington Dog Jog?
Those who don’t clean up after their pet in Wrightsville Beach are subject to a $250 fine for failure to carry a litter device.
“It does get enforced. We can’t watch everybody, but we do check and make sure they have bags all the time. We’re always out on the loop,” says Shannon Slocum, park ranger for the town.
Slocum estimates that about 70 citations have been issued in the first three-quarters of 2009. The $250 fine is non-negotiable and cannot be worked off by the offending pet owner. Stations are located in The Loop area that include free litter bags for dog owners.
“There’s no excuse for not picking up behind your dog. People who do that are better off leaving their pets at home, but we’re very vigilant here on the beach,” Slocum says.
Most pet owners readily comply with the ordinance. “It’s the one or two people we get out here
on a daily basis. They come out here late in the evening and early in the morning and they’re looking around and they will eventually get caught. It’s an expensive day for them,” Slocum says.
People are cited regularly, he says. Other dog owners and town employees often alert Slocum about offenders.
“We can’t be everywhere but we kind of encourage responsible pet owners to monitor the non-responsible ones,” he said. “It’s a health thing. The Loop and the beach attract so many people, you have to be on it all the time.”
Slocum works different hours and moves around The Loop and beach areas. Sometimes he’s in in uniform and sometimes not.
“If you don’t have a bag with you, you will get a ticket, point blank. You have to have something to pick up after your dog,” he says.
Slocum’s office is in the Wrightsville Beach municipal building, near the police department. His telephone number is (910) 256-7945 , ext. 410.
“It’s a respect issue,” he says. “They don’t do it in their neighborhoods. We don’t want them to do it in ours.”
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