One of the most vital programs of successful animal shelters, is effective community engagement. Breaking down any ‘us vs them’ attitudes, inspiring and leading the community to be better pet owners, and recognising that any animal issues in the community can only be solved if you have your public working with you, not against you – are all vital to safe, happy communities.
Unfortunately Port Augusta (SA) didn’t get the memo;
Port Augusta City Council general inspector Kylie McKerlie said not registering dogs was irresponsible pet ownership.
“If you can’t afford $50 to register your dog – or $25 if you’re on a pension – you shouldn’t have one,” she said.
….
After a spike in dogs and puppies being surrendered to the pound, Ms McKerlie said the council needed to put more focus into safe and responsible dog ownership, and fining people was just the beginning.“People would want to watch out, they’re going to get done,” she said.
“We will shoot any dog that is vicious.”
Certainly shooting dogs would help with any pound overcrowding problems. *Dusts hands*
To be fair, the pound claims to offer a rehoming program, but that…
…the most commonly surrendered dog breed is a staffy.
So y’know *shrugs* – we gotta kill em. They’re a popular breed in this town – but not so popular that anyone might like to adopt them.
Animal sheltering – it’s a one way process.
The Dog and Cat Management Board of South Australia currently offer a ‘Good Dog’ and a ‘Good Cat’ responsible pet ownership programs – what seems to be desperately missing from their campaign is a ‘Good Pound’ initiative which helps pounds with the basics and details such gems as; threatening to shoot people’s pets is not good community engagement. Try not being a jerk.
