Page 16 - Robeson Living Spring 2020

By Samantha Bennett
Executive Director, Robeson County
Humane Society

Love Is in The Air…Especially if You Have

Fur and Four Legs

There is a hint of spring in the air and no one is feeling it We realize that Robeson County is a poor county. We also
quite as much as the animals. The desire to procreate and realize that people want to have a pet. Pets are good for our
ensure their species survival is strongest in spring. Ani- mental and physical health. They provide unconditional
mals instinctively know the months going into summer love and a sense of security. One problem we have then, is
are the best time to raise young. Un-spayed cats and dogs how to change the mindset that only those who can afford
are experts at this. one need one? That is not the solution. Nor is it logical
or feasible. The next issue is changing cultural or gener-
Robeson County Animal Shelter has the numbers to prove ational ignorance regarding good animal care; “fixing” an
it. In 2018, 4,493 animals were put to sleep. The high- animal does not take anything away from the animal other
est number in N.C. Most of these animals were the result than the risk of cancer/disease, and babies that will become
of owners not spaying or neutering their pets. The num- sick or die when they are thrown out, or abandoned, while
ber isn’t just heartbreaking, it is preventable. The Robe- those that live will repeat the cycle over and over.
son County Humane Society (RCHS) sees the results of
homeless and unwanted animals daily. We take in all that The RCHS is working on some possible solutions and
we have room for and hurt for every animal we cannot we will be sharing them over the next few months. In the
help. We have just reached a milestone in our spay/neuter meantime, we need your help. You can do that by spaying/
program. 5,000 vouchers have been given to owners so neutering your animals, donating to our spay/neuter en-
that their animals can be altered. Unfortunately, as good dowment or any other rescues’ programs, so that those that
as that sounds, it is a mere drop in the bucket. An adult cannot afford to have a means to, volunteer your time and
cat who lives 15 years can have up to 180 kittens. Then talent to a rescue, become an advocate for spay/neuter to
those kittens grow to have kittens. I don’t know about anyone who will listen. There is nothing cuter than a litter
you, but this leads to higher numbers of unwanted kittens of puppies or kittens. Everyone just loves baby animals,
than I can count. The numbers are lower for dogs, but not right? There is nothing sadder than seeing them die or suf-
by much. fer because they were unwanted. That’s not love. That it is
irresponsible pet-care.

Page 16 Robeson Living ~ Spring 2020