Don't Abandon PetAt times, due to circumstances, a dog or cat must be given away. The owner may try his/her best to find a new home, but without results. After endeavoring to find an adoptive family and failing, some people may think it is a good idea to leave the animal near a neighborhood so somebody kind will take it in. But is it? While it is true that a few pets may find a new loving home, many do not. Recall the times that you have seen animals that have been cast off -- what adjectives come to mind? "Healthy," "contented," "strong," "well-fed?" Probably not. Most likely the words "lost," "cold," "starved," "sick," "injured" and "sad" would be more appropriate. Abandonment is definitely not in the pet's best interests. In addition, deliberately releasing a dog with the intention of leaving it is a misdemeanor under Georgia law. O.C.G.A. 4-8-5 reads: "No person shall release a dog on any property, public or private, with the intention of abandoning the dog." And O.C.G.A. 4-8-7 adds: "Any person who violates any provision of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor." This includes leaving an animal at the shelter when it is not open. Abandonment is, therefore, also not in the best interests of the pet's family. Pet owners who can no longer care for their dogs or cats and who cannot find loving homes for them should instead bring them in to the Animal Shelter during normal working hours. While it is not possible to ensure that every animal will be adopted, at least while they are at the Shelter, animals have plenty to eat, a safe place to sleep, medical care when needed -- and a real chance of having a kind person take them in permanently. The Animal Control and Animal Shelter therefore encourage everyone: Don't abandon that pet! |
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