State could become puppy mill haven
Puppy mills are a nationwide problem, contributing significantly to the pet overpopulation issue that touches almost every citizen of our country. Unfortunately, it’s become an issue all-too familiar to residents of North Carolina.
Puppy mills, also known as puppy factories, typically keep dogs in small, wire cages for their entire lives. They are given very little food and water and are often denied basic veterinary care.
The mother dogs are bred continuously to produce puppies for sale, and when they can no longer breed they are discarded, usually at about six years old.
Of course, these puppies end up weak and sick and the people who buy them are often left broken-hearted when they realize their puppy will probably not survive.
This is intolerable and must stop. Almost every state surrounding North Carolina regulates commercial dog breeders.
The House has passed a bill to crack down on puppy mills in our state. Unless the Senate steps up to do the same, it is very likely that our state will become a haven for puppy mill operators.
The people of North Carolina have made it clear that they want lawmakers to address this problem now. Hopefully our senators are listening.
— Barbara Hart
Salisbury
Join fight for pets
Just because we are an agricultural state, it does not mean our companion animals have to suffer then die. Other states have their farm animals and companion animals regulated separately. North Carolina could too if everyone would make enough noise.
Anyone opposed to Governor McCrory’s efforts for N.C. animals, I invite you to take a field trip to a county shelter and a puppy mill. Get a head count of how many just died in that shelter and see the suffering of puppy mill animals for yourself. Take notice of the deplorable conditions they live in, in both facilities.
Reminder: county shelters are not permanent homes for the animals you do not want. They get 72 hours in most shelters and all are not photographed and put on the adoption floor.
Those of you that purchase from expensive breeders, ask to see the parents of that cute puppy. Examine the living conditions and ask to see the mom’s medical records. Ask how many times she’s been bred. I’m sure you’ll be surprised, hopefully sickened and then will join us in our fight for N.C. companion animals.
Spay/Neuter/Love. Get your pet fixed to prevent overpopulation and shelter deaths! There are plenty of low-cost spay/neuter clinics in North Carolina.
For low income families, there are animal organizations that will provide vouchers to help with the cost.
— Angie Allred
Thomasville
Thanks, Anthony
Last week I thought I heard the garbage truck. After realizing I had not put out my garbage, I ran into the garage, grabbed the trash can, and chased the truck in an attempt to catch it.
When I got to the end of my driveway, the can turned over in my hands and fell into the street, pulling me along with it. I was hurt pretty badly, but the nicest young man who works for the city came to my rescue. He picked me up and kept asking me if I was all right.
The man’s name was Anthony. He was so kind to me, and I would just like to thank him again. I would just like to let the people of Salisbury know what a wonderful garbage man by the name of Anthony that we have.
— Mary Stewart Earnhardt
Salisbury
Simple-minded us
Let’s all rush down to the mayor’s office (“Unite against intolerance,” May 18), and file a request for our own special day. Maybe your cause is, uh — that’s it, vegetarian! Perhaps you’re proud to be a vegan. Want a pretty banner with all those veggie colors flying on the square. Others want to express preference as meat eaters. Proud Ford or proud GMC owners, you get it; how silly have we gotten?
While we are busy proudly celebrating ourselves we don’t even notice the invasion of China as they collect the big debt we owe them, nor thinking about the next plan terrorists have for us. Are we next to be stunned by a mass kidnapping? What about that lady in the Sudan awaiting her death sentence to be carried out?
The experience the Pelletier family is having with the Boston Children’s Hospital can only be described as beyond belief. Home caregivers forced themselves into the union even after an overwhelming vote against it.
Being ignorant of our real enemies is nothing to be proud of. They are well aware of what page we are on — the page of stupidity and silliness.
Maybe this will work in our favor; the terrorists could not feel good about blowing up a bunch of simple-minded and immature people. Maybe they would see us as a nation to be pitied.
— Donna Kesler
Cleveland