After a recent visit to Floyd County Animal Control I would like to commend the staff on the great job they do investigating animal cruelty, catching strays, encouraging adoptions and helping reunite lost pets with their owners. It is an important job.

One thing greatly disturbs me. People in the community are allowed to surrender a whole litter of puppies and sign a consent for all to be euthanized. This area needs access to a low-cost spay/neuter program. People need to be responsible pet owners. 

Have your pet spayed or neutered. 

It is cruel to turn over a whole litter to be euthanized. I propose a change in policy so that no one is allowed to surrender puppies, kittens, dogs or cats. No more of the quick and easy drop-them-off-and-sign-a-form. It needs to stop. This would force people to find homes for them, encourage them to have the pet fixed, or not get a pet in the first place if they can’t care for it.

There are great pets available at the animal control facility. Petfinder.com lists them every day of the week. They have mixed breeds (aka mutts) that make the best pets, but also they have pure breeds. Go to the facility for a visit and come home with a new friend.