It saddens me how cavalier many of my city dwelling friends are with their pets. Some of these people are very intelligent except for the ignorance they display with their pets. The urge to let their pet, cat or dawg, run free through the neighborhood is felt by the naïve to be “good for the pet”. It isn’t good and here are a few things to consider.
1. If you don’t know or understand what your responsibilities as a pet owner are here are two excellent articles.
2. When your pet runs the neighborhood it becomes everyone’s pet and responsibility. Some of your neighbors might be like this fellow. Why should I have to clean up your dog’s poo in my yard? What kind of neighbor are you if everyone around your house has to put up with a barking beastie when ever they walk by your house?
3. The life expectancy of pets allowed to run free in the city are significantly less than those who live in your house. In our neighborhood in Redmond Washington there are no outside cats. The eagles get them. If you’ve every seen an eviscerated cat like our neighborhood has, you’ll understand.
4. If your free range pet caused an accident, are you prepared to pay for the loss of life and possessions?
5. It is illegal to let your pet out of the house and yard if they are not on a leash. A pet is going to bite people, many times people who deserve to bitten. It will always be assumed that the pet is in the wrong if it is running free. If and when this happens you may end up paying through the nose and the pet will be put down.
What do you think the quality of the life for your pet is if you don’t even care and let the animal run? Today’s pets are very expensive. But the love and joy they provide can make them a very special friend and a part of your mental health investment. There is nothing like waking up to a purring cat or eager, loving dawg. Peace, out.
