These paragraphs may need to be accompanied by an adaptation of the TV warning that informs us about questionable program content: Some readers may find the following material to be offensive due to excessive violence, as well as opinions expressed by the writer. Reader discretion is urged.
35,000 dogs and cats will die in my county this year, euthanized by the Rabies & Animal Control Department, according to an article in The Arizona Republic. 100,000 will be taken to either the country or private shelters. Very few of them will be adopted. The article was accompanied by a large color photo of euthanized dogs and cats being buried along with other discards at the County Regional Landfill, noting that the burial was done “unceremoniously.”
Animal rights activists periodically express objections to this activity and do not have nice things to say about the county’s work in this area.
Wait a minute! What kind of ceremony was called for anyhow?
And what reasonable alternatives are available except euthanasia for at least
some of the animals, considering that 100,000 are abandoned each year?
People who make an unconditional protest against what the Rabies & Animal Control agency has to do remind me of Jonah who got uptight about the death of a gourd vine when he should have been concerned instead about the citizens of Nineveh. It’s always good to keep our priorities in line.
There are public issues aplenty more crucial than how to deal with an oversupply of discarded pets, as disturbing as their disposal may be to avid animal-lovers. Across the nation uncounted numbers of children are either abandoned, abused, or otherwise endangered. As more people are living longer, abuse of the elderly is an increasing concern. We have no shortage of problems. As for euthanized animals “unceremoniously” disposed of, let the dead bury the dead. We have far too many other living, vital issues demanding attention which our Christian consciences will not allow us to ignore.