06-16-2013, 08:44 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Carey
a HUGE part of the problem at the dump is the amount of people that dump their animals...
I started this tread because I got the email, and I got the email because I have been a supporter of Hui Pono Holoholona, and other organizations, that have and are trying to address the problem of unwanted domestic animals.
I understand Rob's point of view entirely, and because the fixing animals and returning them to their feral conditions for the most part has not resulted in an appreciable drop in their population over the 20 plus years that people have been doing it, I would consider that as an option, except for the point Carey makes, and I quote above.
The problem (on this island) is rooted not in the feral population breeding, because the whole program is run to prevent that, but in the PEOPLE's lack of basic decency with regards THEIR OWN domestic animals and a long standing tradition to just abandon unwanted animals at waste transfer sites.
This problem in basic human behavior was so graphically shown to me in 1990 when I, along with a very small group of people who monitored the lava flows as they covered Kalapana, became aware of the fact that the people who were being evacuated would just leave their dogs and cats and chickens and horses behind to fend for themselves. To in essence die of starvation, dehydration, and fire, simply because to take their animals with them was an inconvenience. Imagine this.. from the 150 homes evacuate we trapped and got medical care for, and placed in new homes, over 250 cats, 100 dogs, dozens of chickens, and a few horses. And these were peoples pets! That until they were threatened by lava were loved, given homes and fed, all to be abandoned at the first instance of being an inconvenience.
This problem is NOT the animal's fault. It is a crime (IMHO) perpetrated by regular ol' members of our community! Your next door neighbors! And, probably many of YOU!
Therefore I think it is admirable that organization like Hui Pono Holoholona give their time, money and attention.. their hearts.. to trying to lessen the suffering of the innocent! Right or wrong, it don't matter.
And to those that would abandon an animal.. SHAME ON YOU!