Feral dog shooting policy

[seamusTX]

The town of Ferris, southeast of Dallas, published a directive authorizing police officers to shoot aggressive feral dogs:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent ... 30a41.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Abandoned pets are an increasing problem all over the U.S., as financially hard-hit pet owners cannot afford to feed or care for them.

Shelters are overcrowded and have fewer adopters willing to take animals. They have no choice but euthanasia.

The problem extends even to livestock animals. Ranch owners have found horses in their pastures that were put there overnight. The price of broke grade horses is effectively zero.

- Jim

[Kythas]

I could never imagine abandoning my pets because it became too difficult to care for them. I'd find a way. My pets to me are members of my family, not just some random animal that lives in my house.

To me, doing so is akin to abandoning my children because they're too much of a hardship.

I've gone hungry before because I spent my last dollar on dog food and couldn't afford to eat. If I'm taking on the responsibility of getting a dog, then I take that responsibility seriously. As my pets are completely dependent on me to provide for them, I'd rather go hungry than have them go hungry. I have the choice, they don't.

Sorry, but this is a sore topic for me. I have a huge soft spot for animals. I can't go to the animal shelter because I want to take every dog there home with me.

And, no, I don't hunt. If I needed to for survival, I would, but not for sport.

[nuparadigm]

From the article:

Ferris Police Chief Frank Mooney said the city has tried proven methods of capturing the dogs, but nothing seems to work.

It seems as if the methods are proven no longer. FPD has dis-proven them.

[seamusTX]

If he had chosen his words more carefully, I think the would have said "conventional methods."

They have one animal control officer, who may work 40 hours a week. They don't want to spend more money trying to solve the problem.

No branch of government has extra money these days. Sales tax revenue is down and real-estate tax revenue is going be be dropping next year as property is assessed at lower values.

- Jim

[Trinitite]

I don't blame the cops. Feral dogs are a danger to humans and livestock. I do blame the deadbeat doggie dads.

[Oldgringo]

I could never imagine abandoning my pets because it became too difficult to care for them. I'd find a way. My pets to me are members of my family, not just some random animal that lives in my house.

To me, doing so is akin to abandoning my children because they're too much of a hardship.

I've gone hungry before because I spent my last dollar on dog food and couldn't afford to eat. If I'm taking on the responsibility of getting a dog, then I take that responsibility seriously. As my pets are completely dependent on me to provide for them, I'd rather go hungry than have them go hungry. I have the choice, they don't.

Sorry, but this is a sore topic for me. I have a huge soft spot for animals. I can't go to the animal shelter because I want to take every dog there home with me.

And, no, I don't hunt. If I needed to for survival, I would, but not for sport.

I have a CHL and carry because of people not animals.

[kirock7]

+1 Kythas.
I understand that we can't care for all of them... but my dogs are family... and will be cared for and protected.
The people who treat their animals as discardable will in the long run probably treat their human loved ones the same way.