Paws-itive Change for El Paso

El Pasoans React To Pet Problem Proposals - News Story - KVIA El Paso

I started volunteering at the Humane Society of El Paso(HSEP) back in May and believe I have found my calling. I am in charge of offsite adoptions on the weekends at Petsmart on Yarbrough (btw, offsite adoptions are held every Saturday and Sunday until 3pm). I also taught the "Kids~N~Kritters" summer camp a few weeks ago. I taught the kids, ages 10-16, about responsible pet ownership, animal cruelty, and the importance of spaying and neutering pets. I felt really good about all of it until the last day of camp. Animal Services(AS) is right next door to the Humane Society and the kids were scheduled for a presentation and tour of the facility. The huge difference between AS and HSEP is that HSEP is a no-kill shelter (since January) and AS unfortunately has the traumatizing task of euthanizing nearly 200 animals DAILY! Basically they do the dirty work for backyard breeders and irresponsible pet owners.

It was a heart-wrenching day. I couldn't take it. I saw these sad faces of both owner surrendered and stray dogs and my heart just broke for them. They didn't ask for this life. We, humankind, let this happen. Whether its a reputable responsible breeder or a backyard breeder, they are bringing all these animals into the world and cannot guarantee that they will end up with responsible pet owners. Irresponsible pet owners will make an impulse purchase of a puppy not really knowing what being a pet owner truly entails. Aside from feeding it, there's the vet care, making sure it's properly socialized with other dogs and people, giving it enough attention, playtime, and exercise. Everyday, people surrender their "purebreds that have papers" because they see pets as a disposable commodity. It's infuriating.

So now, Mayor Cook has proposed a new ordinance that would ban pet stores in El Paso and make spaying and neutering mandatory for pets over the age of 4months. I applaud the mayor for taking a step in the right direction but this will not be enough. Educating the public on responsible pet ownership needs to be a priority. People need to be made aware of the consequences of what happens when they don't spay or neuter their pets, they need to know the difference between a reputable, responsible, LICENSED breeder and a backyard breeder that only seeks to gain a profit off the animal. They also need to be made fully aware of what a huge responsibility it is to own a pet, both financially and time wise such as pets needing to be taught the correct, expected behavior. It doesn't just happen magically. People need to understand that to have a pet is a LIFETIME COMMITMENT, not an "until it becomes an inconvenience" commitment.

Tomorrow, City Council will be voting on Title 7 and I encourage all animal lovers to attend and speak up for those who do not have a voice.