LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Memphis’ stray animals need more care
The current policy for an essential Memphis service amounts to criminal animal cruelty. The current policy implemented by Memphis Animal Services instituted at the beginning of the pandemic places the residents of the city of Memphis and animals on the streets at risk.
According to Memphis Animal Services if I, as a Memphis resident, pick up a stray dog running on a busy street creating a traffic hazard which could potentially result in human injury or fatality, then I must be responsible to find this pet’s owner.
If an owner cannot be found then I am also responsible to either foster or adopt this animal. I am required to be responsible for the animal’s veterinary bills and upkeep while in the process of finding its owner, a foster, or a rescue situation.
If I’m unable to meet these imposed responsibilities, Memphis Animal Services suggests that I put the animal back on the street.
This amounts to cruelty to the animal and to the general public. Mayor Strickland, I have a dog for you. It was running stray and nearly caused a traffic accident. It has no tags, ID chip, is not neutered, is heartworm positive and extremely malnourished.
That dog is as much your responsibility as any other citizen of Memphis.
Do your part and require city services to do the job that we as taxpayers pay them to do.
Like everyone else performing essential services, the staff at Memphis Animal Services can wear a mask, socially distance and wash their hands.
Step up and do the right thing.
Kathryn Miller, Memphis