2008 Woodie Awards
The ins and outs of animal rescue
Murfreesboro has organizations for the growing problem, but MTSU does not
Dawn Johnson
Issue date: 2/25/08 Section: Features
There are many similar organizations in Murfreesboro, but none associated with MTSU.
"I don't know if an organization is needed, but it would be good for an organization already on campus to maybe host an event like this," says Nathan Wallach, a senior video production major. "There are so many organizations out there already for animal rescue; I think that it would be good if someone just asked them to come on campus and host an event. A fraternity or sorority would be good for this, but not just a one time thing, maybe once a month could help collect animals or host an animal drop-off for unwanted pets."
Spaying and neutering your pets, most shelters would agree, is very necessary. Animal shelters have pets coming in daily, this helps to discourage mating and the over-crowding of shelters.
Spaying and neutering also helps your pet live longer and healthier. According to the American Humane Association, spaying eliminates the constant crying and nervous pacing that is a sign that a cat is in heat.
Castration stops the mating drive in males, reducing the urge to roam, which, in turn, reduces the risk of fights, injury, poisoning, accidents and contracting diseases. If you have more than one pet in your household, all the pets will get along better if they are neutered.
Even if you do not own a pet, all of us are effected by animal overpopulation. Tax dollars are spent to round up lost, abandoned and unwanted pets. And when homes cannot be found, tax dollars may be spent to euthanize these animals.
Health issues such as transmittable diseases- including rabies, animal bites, and attacks-are other problems non-pet owners may face. Animal waste and property damage are among some problems people may experience.
According to Tennessee law, if the dog or cat being adopted has not been spayed or neutered, the agency "shall require a deposit of not less than $25 from the new owner prior to the adoption in order to ensure that the dog or cat is spayed or neutered." Usually these shelters will require more money to go towards shots and other necessities.
Animal cruelty and neglect is another reason so many animals end up in shelters. According to RNA, the definitions of cruelty and neglect encompass a range of behaviors harmful to animals, from neglect to malicious killing. It can range from simple neglect to outright physical violence against an animal.
Animal neglect is the failure to provide an animal with the most basic of requirements of food, water, shelter and veterinary care.
According to AHA, the Tennessee penalty for animal cruelty is considered a "misdemeanor, with a maximum 11 months and 29 days confinement and/or maximum $2,500 fine. The offender also must surrender the animal or all animals. Also, the court may prohibit custody and ownership of animals for a reasonable time."
"I don't know if an organization is needed, but it would be good for an organization already on campus to maybe host an event like this," says Nathan Wallach, a senior video production major. "There are so many organizations out there already for animal rescue; I think that it would be good if someone just asked them to come on campus and host an event. A fraternity or sorority would be good for this, but not just a one time thing, maybe once a month could help collect animals or host an animal drop-off for unwanted pets."
Spaying and neutering your pets, most shelters would agree, is very necessary. Animal shelters have pets coming in daily, this helps to discourage mating and the over-crowding of shelters.
Spaying and neutering also helps your pet live longer and healthier. According to the American Humane Association, spaying eliminates the constant crying and nervous pacing that is a sign that a cat is in heat.
Castration stops the mating drive in males, reducing the urge to roam, which, in turn, reduces the risk of fights, injury, poisoning, accidents and contracting diseases. If you have more than one pet in your household, all the pets will get along better if they are neutered.
Even if you do not own a pet, all of us are effected by animal overpopulation. Tax dollars are spent to round up lost, abandoned and unwanted pets. And when homes cannot be found, tax dollars may be spent to euthanize these animals.
Health issues such as transmittable diseases- including rabies, animal bites, and attacks-are other problems non-pet owners may face. Animal waste and property damage are among some problems people may experience.
According to Tennessee law, if the dog or cat being adopted has not been spayed or neutered, the agency "shall require a deposit of not less than $25 from the new owner prior to the adoption in order to ensure that the dog or cat is spayed or neutered." Usually these shelters will require more money to go towards shots and other necessities.
Animal cruelty and neglect is another reason so many animals end up in shelters. According to RNA, the definitions of cruelty and neglect encompass a range of behaviors harmful to animals, from neglect to malicious killing. It can range from simple neglect to outright physical violence against an animal.
Animal neglect is the failure to provide an animal with the most basic of requirements of food, water, shelter and veterinary care.
According to AHA, the Tennessee penalty for animal cruelty is considered a "misdemeanor, with a maximum 11 months and 29 days confinement and/or maximum $2,500 fine. The offender also must surrender the animal or all animals. Also, the court may prohibit custody and ownership of animals for a reasonable time."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 3
AreYou Serious
posted 3/02/08 @ 11:19 PM CST
Excuse me? But would you like to know how RNA knows so much about cruelty statutes? Perhaps a trip to the courthouse is in order. They were charged with multiple counts in 2005, to which they entered a plea agreement and were required to stop rescuing for a year. (Continued…)
Rock N Ares Animal Rescue
posted 8/10/08 @ 7:28 PM CST
All charges have been dismissed and removed. And there was not a plea agreement.
Our animals are well taken care of. We are a true No Kill rescue in this area. (Continued…)
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