Bainbridge does the humane thing

I have a problem with "doing the humane thing" First someone dumps their unwanted animals on me and when the Town does capture them they have them spayed/neutered and then they bring them back and dump them on me or in my neighborhood. No provisions to feed or care for them they just "do the humane thing" and DUMP them. Animal Control should be just that and if homes can't be found don't dump them, hard it is PUT THEM DOWN!

So would it be best to "put them down" before or after the spay/neuter procedure?

As an animal lover, I have to agree that it is NOT humane to put an animal back into a situation that might leave them starving. Yes, by spaying/neutering you are preventing more animals from coming into the picture. If these animals were just "left" they are not used to finding their own food source. I hate to see an animal put down, but if they are not adopted it is more humane than allowing starvation.

Communities have been doing the catch and release for years. The theory behind it is that if the population can be reduced, then the chance of survival increases. Once the altered population lives their lives, then that group does not continue because they have not reproduced. I understand the shock of putting animals down because there are not enough homes, but until you are the one administering the euthanasia you can't understand how impossible this choice is. It is too hard to live with! Catch and release works. This community has taken action, they should be thanked!

Hairy Eagle has presented some great points. My one disagreement would be with "The theory behind it is that if the population can be reduced, then the chance of survival increases." Or, perhaps I would word it differently as to suggest that increases quality of life for those animals. It also simply reduces the number of predators in the area who are killing small mammal and bird populations in a serious level. So, in that respect, survival increases for a plethora of species in the community. The survival of predators is critical, but on this level, it can be mildly devastating to other ecological communities. Thank you for putting this article out there as it sheds light on a great deal of darkness with this situation. Community involvement!

It doesn't seem to me that there is a good solution to the problem without refunding the animal shelter. This should be on the agendas for the next scheduled local government meetings.

It must start with the pet owner- every household pet should be altered. SPOT CLINIC - CLOVERDALE!!There are obviously too many unwanted animals, just look at the ads & Petfinder...Backyard breeders should be required to have a license & pay a substantial fee. Too many "backyard breeders" just throw 2 animals together without any regard for genetics, wanting to make easy money.

Secondly, government needs to step up & be proactive & establish & enforce strict spay/neuter ordinances. While I applaud efforts to spay neuter strays, it is not humane to turn those animals loose. Although cats are able to fend for themselves to some extent, cold weather is coming.

As a past member of the community, we constantly fought the neighbors cats/kittens. I am fine with owners of cats. However, picking up their feices everyday or stepping in it was not a pleasure and any speck of mulch or soft dirt was open game. It should be the responsibility of the owners to handle this or lose them. Kitty's are cute but they grow up to be cats.

WHAT?? Release back at the point of capture?? That's another work for DUMPING!! This is strickly a law VIOLATION! ALEXANDER is correct in saying they are devistating to natural wildlife. Particuraly in this economy,it turns my belly upside down to think anyone,,even government would spend money on cats,when there are CHILDREN in need of those dollars!! OMG! Put them down for everyones sake!