Dear Editor:

I’ve had pets most of my life and I’ve learned a lot from them. Dogs and cats love us unconditionally. I’ve seen dogs come back to people who have yelled, kicked or beaten them. They sometimes don’t trust people if this kind of treatment continues. Sometimes people can be very cruel. They sometimes “train” their dog for fighting other dogs. So the dogs sometimes fight back. Those dogs are not good pets because the owners were irresponsible and cruel. And they are doomed to death because even if they are rescued from this cruelty, they can’t be trusted. But no matter what the breed, a dog can be taught to trust, obey, protect and love their owners by just loving them and giving them affection, food as needed, and exercise, medical care and prevention steps.

So why not tax pet owners or fine them if they don’t give their pets what they need? There should be education about animal care and responsibilities, instead of tying or chaining a dog so it doesn’t get attention, isn’t fed regularly or given lost of clean water. Why not require owners to have fenced in areas or let them live in the home? Or at least a nice, warm dog house or cool area for the summertime. If cities would build dog parks for owners to socialize pets and exercise and enjoy the animals, wouldn’t that be better than taking their beloved pets away because they are a certain breed? Teach owners of all breeds to use pooper scoopers, carry water for them on hot days. Teach them it’s wrong to hit, kick, whip or starve any animal. Teach others that don’t like animals that there are no bad dogs, only bad owners. Teach people. Love dogs.

Children learn what they live. So do our pets. For older people, the pets are our children. For some families, they are a part of that family. If we teach children to be cruel or irresponsible, they grow up to be just that. So please teach our children by example. Positive example! If you are unable to do that, do not own a pet.

Make laws that will protect good pet owners and their pets and fine heavily any others.

Sondra Lavigne

Point Pleasant