To the Expositor:
I am undeniably a lover of animals. I have no children, so my animals are my children (two dogs and one cat). And honestly, I probably have more patience with animals. This is why I am writing this letter, to state my opinion and hear other opinions on a matter that greatly bothers me.
For two years now I have driven the highway from Mindemoya to M’Chigeeng and have watched two dogs in particular at a house heading into M’Chigeeng. One husky is tied out front and one black dog on what looks like a 4×4 deck.
I have yet to see these dogs get off their leash or deck, be walked or had any kind of human contact. I also know I am not the only one watching this every day, there are many others watching too. There are many of us that stop to throw food to the husky when we can too. I, along with many others, have contacted SPCA about these dogs many of times, only to be told they cannot do anything because they have to be invited onto the reserve. I don’t get it. Isn’t it about animal cruelty and welfare? There has been numerous calls placed to the SPCA about this matter, and yet nothing has changed. I even talked to a member of the UCCM Police, only to be told that I should be more concerned about the owner! Why? Are we humans not taught at an early age how to fend for ourselves, work for food and shelter, and provide for our families, including our pets? Well how does a chained up animal fend for themselves? They don’t! They rely on their owners to provide and look after them, and in turn, they love you unconditionally!
Does anyone else remember the black dog that was tied outside this same place far away from the house for years and years, until I assumed it died of loneliness and old age? I, and many others, used to stop and feed this dog every day for years because everyone felt sorry for it too. Animals (pets) are companions and need to be loved and cared for, just as humans do.
Has no one told these people that dogs are not lawn ornaments? They need love, exercise, companionship, food, water and shelter. Simply put, they need you to care for them. Friends of mine have offered to walk these dogs for the owners, only to be told no. Why? It was a courtesy. Whenever I drive by there anymore, I get so upset I seriously feel like crying! These animals have no life whatsoever. The husky runs in circles all day for exercise, and then his chain ends up being two feet long. Huskies need a lot of exercise, anyone with any knowledge would realize they are a high energy dog, and if you’re not prepared to give your dog the exercise it needs then you shouldn’t have it. As for the black dog, I’m sure it probably can’t walk now, being cramped up in a little 4×4 space day in and day out.
I know this kind of thing goes on all the time everywhere, and trust me, it’s not the first time I’ve called SPCA on people that weren’t looking after their pets, but this is the first time that there’s been nothing done to resolve the issue.
One more time, your pet is not a lawn ornament! If you cannot provide the care they need, give them to someone who can!
Concerned animal lover, Annette Pearson Mindemoya
