I came across this letter that I thought would be good for some to read. I think it addresses much of what has been discussed here on the topic of animal control. I beleive that these folks are the hardest working caring people I know.

I do not know the date that this was writtien or the name of the author but I still think it's worth the read. Who knows maybe something will sink in. 

I am your Animal Control Officer. I am not the “dreaded” dog catcher or the “murderer” you call me. It is not I who allows your pet to roam the streets, to contract diseases from other free-roaming animals, to be hit by a passing motorist, or poisoned by rotting garbage bags. I am the one who must look into those sick, pain=glazed eyes, try to remove the animal without causing it further pain, and then humanely “put it to sleep”. to put an end to it’s suffering.

It is not I, who allows your pets to breed, then dump the unwanted puppies and kittens on roadsides and in shelters. I’m the one who must find the tiny animals before they die of starvation, exposure or disease, and then as an act of mercy, exterminate them. It hurts me to be forced to kill hundreds of thousands of animals each year, but because of your irresponsibility, I have no choice.

It is not I who abandons unwanted animals on farm roads, telling myself some friendly farmer will surely take them in and give them a good home. But I am the one who must pick up the frightened animal who waits in vain for its beloved master, wondering why it has been abandoned. I am the one who must help that friendly farmer trap, tranquilize or kill that animal because it has begun to roam in packs with other abandoned hungry animals, killing livestock, fowl and game.

I am not the one who breeds and fights dogs in the name of “sport”. But I’m the one who fights the breeders and participants, and must pick up the dead and dying animals that have been left behind.

It is not I who refuses to spend time and money to keep up regular inoculations that all pets require. But I am the one who must pick up that sick animal that is dying of a preventable disease.

So remember, the next time your child is bitten by a stray dog, your trash is dumped and scattered, your pet is lost or stolen, poisoned or hit by a car, it is the Animal Control Officer you call-not the “dog catcher”. The next time your pet is picked up, or you are cited for neglecting or abusing it remember, I am only trying to get you to fulfill your responsibility to your pet, your neighbor, and yourself.

Do not scorn me. Respect me, for I am the product of your irresponsibility. I love animals, and I care.

Signed Animal Control Officer