With the public outcry following the recent San Pedro Town Council dog eradication sweep on La Isla, which many saw as inhumane and uncalled for, SAGA Humane Society is in the process of working alongside the Town Council to formulate a more humane response to the “stray dog” problem plaguing the community. The previous eradication had become necessary due to the numerous strays and unattended pets that traversed the town, overturning garbage cans, defecating in public places and generally being a nuisance, and even harmful to residents.
Despite the outrage at the manner in which the previous eradication took place, it seems as though many pet owners continue to be negligent in securing their pets. By not ensuring their pets are contained in a fenced yard or in some other manner, the problem with strays and unattended dogs continues. As such, SAGA Humane Society is taking the opportunity to issue a warning as well as educate the general public on the importance of protecting one’s pets.
The San Pedro community is informed that roundups of loose dogs will soon begin. Once the dogs are contained, SAGA will hold them for a maximum of three full days. Owners wishing to reclaim their pets will have the opportunity to do so at SAGA on Tuesdays from 9AM to 12PM or 1PM to 5PM, or on Wednesdays from 1PM to 5PM. Owners are warned that there WILL be a fee to pay to retrieve one’s pet. Owners will also have a choice to have their pet spayed or neutered at a discounted cost.
After the three days, any dog which is not claimed by their owner will be humanely euthanized. According to Bill Milstead of SAGA, the procedure that will be used is a simple injection of Euthanol. The chemical, once injected, will cause the animal to, “simply enter into an eternal sleep”. Milstead further explained that this procedure causes the pet no discomfort, anxiety or pain.
SAGA Humane Society further advises the general public: “PLEASE, if you have a dog and you care about it, keep your dog safely fenced or tied inside your property! Use a collar and rope of at least eight feet in length and give your dog shade, cover from the weather and water. Please walk your dog on a leash and clean up after your dog in public spaces.”
For more information of the round up or services offered by the humane society, SAGA may be contacted at telephone number 226-3266.
