RE: Do you think people who abandon their pets should be fined?
I was looking up some shelters to see what their requirements are for dropping off a pet, since I've never done it, I've only adopted. http://www.sterlingshelter.org/humane-so...r-adoption
Has in read letters that due to space limitations they can't accept any more surrendered pets without an appointment and they have the right to reserve and reject any pet. They also don't accept pets that are aggressive, have a bite history, or severe medical conditions or on medications. All of which are very reasonable reason to get rid of a pet, not great ones but understandable. I the dog is aggressive and bites, you can't have it around your children, especially small children. And it's not uncommon now for neighbors to sue if they get bit by our dog while you're at work. Because any pet, stray or surrendered, with an open wound has to be quarantined for six months or euthanized, some shelters won't take on those animals. If you pet passes that, you are required to get your veterinarian to fax both handwritten medical records, history, and a copy of your pet's entire vaccination records. Plus you have to pay a surrender fee that varies depending on the medical history, vaccination status, spray/neuter status, breed, age, reason for surrender, and how long they expect the pet to be in the shelter until it's adopted. So, while giving your pet to a shelter, if you live near one is idea. Sometimes they aren't practical and it's more expensive to give them away than it is to get into that apartment that accepts them that you can't afford. I don't admire people who abandon their pets but if they have too, they need to allow them to be outside so they can at least scavenge some food. I hate it when the pets are stuck inside a house without water or food. I don't think it is fair to fine people for not being able to get their pets into a shelter. If there was a guarantee way for people to give up their pets, then yes, it would be fair to fine them but sometimes people can't safely get rid of their pets.