We're barking up the wrong tree

Dogs at the Wanganui pound about to meet their maker. Photo/Supplied

The brouhaha over the fate of dogs abandoned at the pound has stirred the ire of many Whanganui dog lovers - and rightly so, as it raises many questions.

The least of these is the council's method for euthanising. The far greater issue is a dog's life in the city.

There are pet owners who treat their animals with care, take responsibility for their behaviour, who have their dogs neutered to prevent unwanted litters and who ensure their pets do not attack and harm other animals or people.

Then there are those who have no idea. They let their dogs roam, posing a risk to all, they discard unwanted puppies as if they were something stuck to their shoe and, in too many instances, have trained their dogs to be vicious and dangerous.

It is often said that people come to resemble their dogs (when I had Bella, the giant schnauzer, and a beard, that claim was made by members of my family).

This likeness can also work the other way, with dogs resembling their owners - they do not do what they are told, do not come when they are called and would rather attack than think.

The dogs that end up in the pound are too often the victims of neglect by their "owners". The problem is then what to do with these animals when they are not claimed, because owners cannot be bothered with the notion of paying something in return for the interim stay in the pound, and see no reason to make any effort to get their dog back.

In Whanganui, like most centres, there is a registration fee, with bonuses for providing responsible care.

This process enables your average wandering escape artist dog to be identified, owner notified and returned until the next escapade (I looked after a dog once that should have been named Houdini. It was not a retriever - I was).

The number of dogs that remain unclaimed and unwanted languishing at the city pound then presents another problem. I guess some can be re-homed but if they have been mistreated or encouraged to be vicious then it may not be safe for a family to take one.

The end of the line for many is euthanasia. The current method being used at the pound is not ideal. It may be relatively painless and cheap, but it lacks dignity. In saying that, it is important that people keep in mind what happens with regard to the steak, bacon or cutlets that appear on your plate. I grew up on a farm and worked in a freezing works, so I have no illusions about how animals are killed for consumers.

Therefore I think that many people taking up the matter of how dogs are euthanised should retain some perspective or demand that all those sheep, cattle, chickens and pigs should all receive lethal injections under the supervision of a vet.

The better option would be for the community to take more interest in the problems faced by the pound and do their bit to offer homes to these dogs or nominate and pay a vet to euthanise - a bit like adopting an individual dog's fate.

Terry Sarten is a doggedly dog person, columnist, songwriter and all-round word herder - feedback: tgs@inspire.net.nz