by Joe Kirkpatrick

"6000 slaughtered during ethnic cleansing in Cleveland, TN" seems like a ridiculous statement. Obviously, those of us who live here know that has not happened - or has it? Last year, in Cleveland, Tennessee, over 6,000 helpless dogs and cats were executed at the Cleveland Animal Shelter. After execution, their lifeless bodies were given a decent burial - on top a pile of garbage and trash at the Bradley County Landfill. What did all these poor defenseless animals do to deserve a death sentence? Well, they were not cute and furry enough, or maybe their owner just got tired of them when the new wore off.

Getting a dog or cat is a commitment. They are not a fashion statement, though some Hollywood stars will beg to differ. They are not a current fad, nor a way to pacify a begging child who wants one. A dog or cat is a living, breathing creature who has emotions and feels pain just as you do. What is worse than killing these unwanted animals? Since animals cannot speak, I hope I am speaking for them when I say life tied on a rope or chain in someone's back yard is probably worse than a death sentence.

Unfortunately, many who get a dog do not research the particular breed they are going to adopt. Labs and Golden Retrievers are very popular, but are high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and attention. Cocker Spaniels tend to have an odor, and need to be bathed and trimmed frequently. With puppies, there will always be many trying moments with their lack of bathroom manners and chewing problems. Older dogs are more stable and settled, and many times do not require as much time and energy as a younger dog.

I could take several pages and write about the abuses I have seen animals endure at the hands of their owners, but I will just tell you about one. They seemed like nice people, and the man had a good job at a major industry here. They moved into a house in a subdivision where I walk many nights. I noticed a Boxer tied to the clothesline out in the yard with no shelter. Then I noticed some days when they were gone, there would not even be food or water left for the dog. I called animal control, and they went and told them they had to provide some type of shelter for the dog.

A week later, no shelter had been provided, so I called animal control again. I don't know what took place on that second visit, but the next day a pet taxi so small her body fit in it but her head was left sticking out the opening was sitting out by the clothesline. For months as I walked by, I never saw that dog off that rope. When they moved out, the Boxer was locked in the utility room for several days before she was discovered. I rescued her and found her to be a sweet, loving and affectionate girl. The vet estimated she was 7-8 years old, but was in bad health and malnourished. I was able to find her a good home with a good family, but unfortunately she died within a few months later of heart failure. At least for once in her pitiful life she was able to experience love and comfort in a good home.

Is the Cleveland Animal Shelter at fault? Not at all - they are simply doing their job of taking care of unwanted pets. Sure, if they received more money they could do a better job, but the problem is irresponsible people. Having stricter laws and stiff fines for animal cruelty and neglect is the answer. In some northern states, their laws for obtaining a dog or cat are so strict, they actually have a shortage of adoptable dogs. Locally, Dixie Underground Railroad, rescues dogs from local shelters and shuttles them up north for adoption.

If you are considering a pet, please do your homework before you purchase or adopt. And as Bob Barker always said at the end of the "Price is Right," be sure to have your dog or cat spayed or neutered!

(Dixie Dogs & Cats on North Lee Hwy offers very affordable spay and neuter services. Since late October, they have done over 2000 dogs and cats.)

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