http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822 Here is a link to a story run in the Bakersfield Californian regarding the outrageous number of animals that are euthanized in Kern County. http://www.bakersfield.com/102/story/382672.html Having been involved with animal rescue and seeing first hand the results of pet over-population, I couldn't help but take interest in a comment made by a member of the audience at the meeting held in Bakersfield. “Over my dead body,” murmured Tehachapi dog trainer Teri Kahn from the back of the room. “If my government is going to tell me, at a certain age, I’ve got to take my female (dog) and submit her to government-required sterilization, doesn’t that sound awfully draconian?” Kahn asked rhetorically in a subsequent interview. “What we’re saying is ‘You’re too stupid to think for yourself, so government is going to think for you.’” Honestly, YES, that is exactly what I (and others) are saying. A large percentage of the people who are either voluntarily or involuntarily contributing to pet over-population are "too stupid" to think for themselves. If they bother to give the endless litters of puppies or kittens that their pets are having even a second thought, then they are either thinking a) my pets don't make that big of a difference, or b) they just don't care. Yes, I understand there is a financial issue as well. However, there are options out that will help with the expenses. Local rescue groups and the county offer vouchers to help with payment, there is even a special program offered through the humane society for larger dogs, a few years ago there was a program for people on Medi-Cal that allowed for spaying/neutering pets (I'm not sure if it still exists). In the long-run, it costs more to provide food for all the extra kittens/puppies that you end up with then it would cost to simply get them spayed or neutered.         Here is a link to a story run in the Bakersfield Californian regarding the outrageous number of animals that are euthanized in Kern County. http://www.bakersfield.com/102/story/382672.html Having been involved with animal rescue and seeing first hand the results of pet over-population, I couldn't help but take interest in a comment made by a member of the audience at the meeting held in Bakersfield. “Over my dead body,” murmured Tehachapi dog trainer Teri Kahn from the back of the room. “If my government is going to tell me, at a certain age, I’ve got to take my female (dog) and submit her to government-required sterilization, doesn’t that sound awfully draconian?” Kahn asked rhetorically in a subsequent interview. “What we’re saying is ‘You’re too stupid to think for yourself, so government is going to think for you.’” Honestly, YES, that is exactly what I (and others) are saying. A large percentage of the people who are either voluntarily or involuntarily contributing to pet over-population are "too stupid" to think for themselves. If they bother to give the endless litters of puppies or kittens that their pets are having even a second thought, then they are either thinking a) my pets don't make that big of a difference, or b) they just don't care. Yes, I understand there is a financial issue as well. However, there are options out that will help with the expenses. Local rescue groups and the county offer vouchers to help with payment, there is even a special program offered through the humane society for larger dogs, a few years ago there was a program for people on Medi-Cal that allowed for spaying/neutering pets (I'm not sure if it still exists). In the long-run, it costs more to provide food for all the extra kittens/puppies that you end up with then it would cost to simply get them spayed or neutered.         en-us Thanks for posting this article from the Bakersfield Californian.  This is a huge problem in our area -- one that is disproportionate to our population, and needs to be addressed.  There are a number of pet rescues in Tehachapi that are trying to keep pets out of the shelters, find them homes, and assist with spay/neuter costs.  They are all privately run and in desperate need of supplies, volunteers and funds.  If anyone would like to help, volunteer their time, or adopt a pet, please see the websites for Tehachapi Humane Society www.TehachapiHumane.org, Save Tehachapi's Orphaned Pets (STOP) www.TheStoppers.org or the Doberman rescue www.dobiesos.org.  Any effort to help, even a small one, can make a big difference in the life of a homeless pet.  Local adoption events are held regularly in Tehachapi at Canine Creek and the Tehachapi Pet Lodge, so I hope more folks will consider rescuing their next best friend.  For dates and times of these events, please see our website's Calendar page. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208236 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208236 Thanks for posting this article from the Bakersfield Californian.  This is a huge problem in our area -- one that is disproportionate to our population, and needs to be addressed.  There are a number of pet rescues in Tehachapi that are trying to keep pets out of the shelters, find them homes, and assist with spay/neuter costs.  They are all privately run and in desperate need of supplies, volunteers and funds.  If anyone would like to help, volunteer their time, or adopt a pet, please see the websites for Tehachapi Humane Society www.TehachapiHumane.org, Save Tehachapi's Orphaned Pets (STOP) www.TheStoppers.org or the Doberman rescue www.dobiesos.org.  Any effort to help, even a small one, can make a big difference in the life of a homeless pet.  Local adoption events are held regularly in Tehachapi at Canine Creek and the Tehachapi Pet Lodge, so I hope more folks will consider rescuing their next best friend.  For dates and times of these events, please see our website's Calendar page. Any rescue groups, worth their salt, make sure the dogs and/or cats are always spayed/neutered before they are adopted out; this is common sense, pure and simple.  However, in dealing with the collective public, there are way too many who do not have a clue about taking care of a pet (meaning:  spay/neuter issue)  mainly because they do not even consider the dog or cat as a member of the family.  On the other side of the coin, there are many responsible pet owners, who make sure their furry friend has the proper care, from A to Z.  it is that simple and that complex. On the financial side:  L.A. County sends a yearly bill out to the dog's owner to pay for the current tags vs. Kern County's extremely backward thinking policy:  Based on how long your dog's Rabies Certificate is good for (say 3 years,then they wait the two years in between WHERE THEY COULD HAVE COLLECTED A SMALL YEARLY FEE) . . . This is not even Finance 101, people. The grim reality:  There is a 3,000 pound dog or cat in the room and nobody wants to talk about it.  This is at least the second time that James Burger, writer for TBF, has made his case on the front page section; writer, Lois Henry for the TBF, has contributed another good article, Local "B" section, asking for comments.  The responsible people are trying their best to do the right thing; spay and neutering their cats and dogs, which will eliminate over-population.  Be the change, be the solution, not the problem.  Unwanted litters are just that:  unwanted and discarded, put in the back room where nobody wants to hear about it, much less look at it., and articles will be written and nothing done about it.  Wake up, Kern County officials. The thoughtless people who do not spay or neuter their pets will continue to be the problem; if you think otherwise, you are not thinking at all. THINK OCCASIONALLY OF THE SUFFERING OF WHICH YOU SPARE YOURSELF THE SIGHT.   http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208296 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208296 Any rescue groups, worth their salt, make sure the dogs and/or cats are always spayed/neutered before they are adopted out; this is common sense, pure and simple.  However, in dealing with the collective public, there are way too many who do not have a clue about taking care of a pet (meaning:  spay/neuter issue)  mainly because they do not even consider the dog or cat as a member of the family.  On the other side of the coin, there are many responsible pet owners, who make sure their furry friend has the proper care, from A to Z.  it is that simple and that complex. On the financial side:  L.A. County sends a yearly bill out to the dog's owner to pay for the current tags vs. Kern County's extremely backward thinking policy:  Based on how long your dog's Rabies Certificate is good for (say 3 years,then they wait the two years in between WHERE THEY COULD HAVE COLLECTED A SMALL YEARLY FEE) . . . This is not even Finance 101, people. The grim reality:  There is a 3,000 pound dog or cat in the room and nobody wants to talk about it.  This is at least the second time that James Burger, writer for TBF, has made his case on the front page section; writer, Lois Henry for the TBF, has contributed another good article, Local "B" section, asking for comments.  The responsible people are trying their best to do the right thing; spay and neutering their cats and dogs, which will eliminate over-population.  Be the change, be the solution, not the problem.  Unwanted litters are just that:  unwanted and discarded, put in the back room where nobody wants to hear about it, much less look at it., and articles will be written and nothing done about it.  Wake up, Kern County officials. The thoughtless people who do not spay or neuter their pets will continue to be the problem; if you think otherwise, you are not thinking at all. THINK OCCASIONALLY OF THE SUFFERING OF WHICH YOU SPARE YOURSELF THE SIGHT.    Another wake-up call, from 2005 . . . tick-tock . . . http://www.bakersfield.com/hourly_news/story/383682.html http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208326 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208326  Another wake-up call, from 2005 . . . tick-tock . . . http://www.bakersfield.com/hourly_news/story/383682.html  Unfortunately, with the looming recession more and more people who are living pay check to pay check are going to abandoning their animals.  There has already been an increase of animals being left behind when homes are foreclosed.  Yet some readers feel that spay and neutering is not the answer--responsible pet owner ship is.  Wish they would pull their head out of the sand!   http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208381 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208381  Unfortunately, with the looming recession more and more people who are living pay check to pay check are going to abandoning their animals.  There has already been an increase of animals being left behind when homes are foreclosed.  Yet some readers feel that spay and neutering is not the answer--responsible pet owner ship is.  Wish they would pull their head out of the sand!    I  agree 110% with awsmom8 concerning the housing crisis and the growing number of innocent furry friends who are left to twist in the wind.  When we moved from L.A. County to God's country, here in Tehachapi, we were appalled at how many dogs were roaming around, only to learn that the owners skipped out, in a hurry, and left the furry friends to fend for themselves.  Clearly, this is a serious sign of the times and a topic that is an on-going dilemma; one would argue that dogs and cats (or birds or whatever your favorite choice is) cannot be equated with a human being; guess again, it is a living being that you initially chose to feed and provide shelter and love; remember love? You would not dream of abandoning your child, or maybe you would . . . Just walk away from it all, but I digress. People, get a clue:  Spay and/or neuter your cats and dogs; if you do not, you are the problem . . .     http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208405 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208405  I  agree 110% with awsmom8 concerning the housing crisis and the growing number of innocent furry friends who are left to twist in the wind.  When we moved from L.A. County to God's country, here in Tehachapi, we were appalled at how many dogs were roaming around, only to learn that the owners skipped out, in a hurry, and left the furry friends to fend for themselves.  Clearly, this is a serious sign of the times and a topic that is an on-going dilemma; one would argue that dogs and cats (or birds or whatever your favorite choice is) cannot be equated with a human being; guess again, it is a living being that you initially chose to feed and provide shelter and love; remember love? You would not dream of abandoning your child, or maybe you would . . . Just walk away from it all, but I digress. People, get a clue:  Spay and/or neuter your cats and dogs; if you do not, you are the problem . . .      And to those of you who don't want to castrate your dog--OK but get him a vasectomy!  Yes!! They do them in dogs too!  Some owners should of got one early too but that is a different blog....   http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208506 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208506  And to those of you who don't want to castrate your dog--OK but get him a vasectomy!  Yes!! They do them in dogs too!  Some owners should of got one early too but that is a different blog....    awsmom8 - I love that you said that because one of my favorite sayings is "spay or neuter your stupid people". I agree 100% with everything said so far. Animals are not disposable, ignoring the problem won't do a thing to fix it, and spaying/neutering  is a responsibility. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208537 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208537  awsmom8 - I love that you said that because one of my favorite sayings is "spay or neuter your stupid people". I agree 100% with everything said so far. Animals are not disposable, ignoring the problem won't do a thing to fix it, and spaying/neutering  is a responsibility.  I agree with all of the comments on the necessity of spaying and neutering our pets to cut down on the enormous overpopulation of animals in Kern County.  There really are not good homes for all of them.  As for Terri Kahn's comment, I really believe that intelligent, responsible people do tend to have their pets sterilized.  Unfortunately, Kern County is not Lake Woebegon:  everyone isn't "above average".  So, yes, we do need an ordinance because of those irresponsible pet owners.  People who don't support a spay/neuter ordinance should volunteer some time every month to help euthanize all the unwanted animals in the shelter.  Maybe that would save the county enough money to sponsor some low-cost spay/neuter clinics! http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208556 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208556  I agree with all of the comments on the necessity of spaying and neutering our pets to cut down on the enormous overpopulation of animals in Kern County.  There really are not good homes for all of them.  As for Terri Kahn's comment, I really believe that intelligent, responsible people do tend to have their pets sterilized.  Unfortunately, Kern County is not Lake Woebegon:  everyone isn't "above average".  So, yes, we do need an ordinance because of those irresponsible pet owners.  People who don't support a spay/neuter ordinance should volunteer some time every month to help euthanize all the unwanted animals in the shelter.  Maybe that would save the county enough money to sponsor some low-cost spay/neuter clinics! Why not mandate spay and neutering for all purebred animals?  The bias against Heinz 57 dogs is just ugly eugenics, and the up-nose tut-tutting at boxes of free puppies at SaveMart is just another case of class warfare of the haves against the have-nots.  Make it illegal to buy or sell puppies and you'll see the number of abandoned animals decline.  Do you think it is a coincidence that the number of unwanted pets has grown during the same period that free puppies have become rare and that purebred dogs ceased being the province of fussy old ladies and become a mainstream practice? http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208625 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208625 Why not mandate spay and neutering for all purebred animals?  The bias against Heinz 57 dogs is just ugly eugenics, and the up-nose tut-tutting at boxes of free puppies at SaveMart is just another case of class warfare of the haves against the have-nots.  Make it illegal to buy or sell puppies and you'll see the number of abandoned animals decline.  Do you think it is a coincidence that the number of unwanted pets has grown during the same period that free puppies have become rare and that purebred dogs ceased being the province of fussy old ladies and become a mainstream practice? Caninecreek..  I have the Tehachapi Humane Society and the STOP websites linking to your site http://caninecreek.com , especially since you update your lost and found section so regularly.  Your lost and found section can't be outdone... it's the best info Tehachapi has on our lost and found pets.  Kudos And hey, don't forget to join http://thestoppers.org/network/      We are getting a lot of members and your information is needed. awsmom...GREAT POST... This one really got to me, I'm gonna post a picture and some information on the STOP network.  ugh, it's heartbreaking. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208643 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208643 Caninecreek..  I have the Tehachapi Humane Society and the STOP websites linking to your site http://caninecreek.com , especially since you update your lost and found section so regularly.  Your lost and found section can't be outdone... it's the best info Tehachapi has on our lost and found pets.  Kudos And hey, don't forget to join http://thestoppers.org/network/      We are getting a lot of members and your information is needed. awsmom...GREAT POST... This one really got to me, I'm gonna post a picture and some information on the STOP network.  ugh, it's heartbreaking.  Well Bizmgr1, I too used to think that intelligent, responsible people would spay and neuter their pets.  But unfortunately I have  too many times been proven wrong.  I know a woman who has a bachelors degree, is an RN so should be aware how reproduction occurs yet allows her cats to have litters. At my urging/pleadings/"threats" she finally got them all spayed--all but one!!!!!  Another is a TEACHER here in Tehachapi that has let her cat have multiple litters.  Yet in every other aspect of their lifes, I would consider these people to be responsible adults.  So unfortunately, Nazi type mandatory spay and neuter laws are going to have to be used to control the overpopulation of pets. I love my animals--yet have never allowed any of my cats/dogs to have litters.  I can think of nothing more fun than to have a litter of kittens for my kids to experience the "joy of life."   But until I can afford to pay for entire litter to be spay/neutered, it's just not going to happen.  And to those of you who their kids to also "experience the joy of life" and allow their animals to multiply, have your kids also "experience the sadness of death" and hold one of those unwanted dogs while they euthanize them.  That would be experiencing the true circle of life in an animals eyes. CATS RULE!!!!!   http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208958 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208958  Well Bizmgr1, I too used to think that intelligent, responsible people would spay and neuter their pets.  But unfortunately I have  too many times been proven wrong.  I know a woman who has a bachelors degree, is an RN so should be aware how reproduction occurs yet allows her cats to have litters. At my urging/pleadings/"threats" she finally got them all spayed--all but one!!!!!  Another is a TEACHER here in Tehachapi that has let her cat have multiple litters.  Yet in every other aspect of their lifes, I would consider these people to be responsible adults.  So unfortunately, Nazi type mandatory spay and neuter laws are going to have to be used to control the overpopulation of pets. I love my animals--yet have never allowed any of my cats/dogs to have litters.  I can think of nothing more fun than to have a litter of kittens for my kids to experience the "joy of life."   But until I can afford to pay for entire litter to be spay/neutered, it's just not going to happen.  And to those of you who their kids to also "experience the joy of life" and allow their animals to multiply, have your kids also "experience the sadness of death" and hold one of those unwanted dogs while they euthanize them.  That would be experiencing the true circle of life in an animals eyes. CATS RULE!!!!!   If you have the courage to read the enclosed article, it says it all, however, it will not bother anyone without a conscience.  WARNING:  You will need Kleenex, guaranteed. http://www.jaxanimals.com/articles/heltershelter.html   http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208963 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208963 If you have the courage to read the enclosed article, it says it all, however, it will not bother anyone without a conscience.  WARNING:  You will need Kleenex, guaranteed. http://www.jaxanimals.com/articles/heltershelter.html    Oh God, DonMar... I'm so depressed now!  That was painful to read. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208969 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208969  Oh God, DonMar... I'm so depressed now!  That was painful to read.  Nope==I'll pass.  There isn't a box of Kleenex big enough.  I would have nightmare for weeks.  Just imagining what is on there is too much for me. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208977 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_208977  Nope==I'll pass.  There isn't a box of Kleenex big enough.  I would have nightmare for weeks.  Just imagining what is on there is too much for me.  Progresso - I'm not discriminating against Heinz 57 animals. I believe that all animals whether they are purebred or not should be spayed or neutered unless they are active in the show ring or part of a responsible breeding program (meaning genetic testing, breeding for the betterment of the breed, no known behavioral or health issues in the line, being willing to take back any sick or unwanted puppies you sell, and only selling a puppy with a spay/neuter contract). I personally have a purebred dog and a Heinz 57 dog, they were both spayed when they were 6 mths old. My cats were also all spayed as soon as they were old enough. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_209020 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_209020  Progresso - I'm not discriminating against Heinz 57 animals. I believe that all animals whether they are purebred or not should be spayed or neutered unless they are active in the show ring or part of a responsible breeding program (meaning genetic testing, breeding for the betterment of the breed, no known behavioral or health issues in the line, being willing to take back any sick or unwanted puppies you sell, and only selling a puppy with a spay/neuter contract). I personally have a purebred dog and a Heinz 57 dog, they were both spayed when they were 6 mths old. My cats were also all spayed as soon as they were old enough. This isn't discrimination?  "all animals...should be spayed or neutered unless they are active in the show ring..."   Do you know of a lot of dog shows for mutts?  And even if such a thing existed, why would  activity in a show ring make an animal more worthy to re-produce than, say - playing ball or rolling around and being good with kids?   And this isn't discrimination?  "all animals...should be spayed or neutered unless...(it is for) the betterment of the breed"?  What do you think eugenics is??  And how would that apply to a mutt? Then you talk about a "responsible breeding program" which must include the taking back any of "sick or unwanted puppies (sold)".  Didn't you read what I wrote?  I said the solution to the problem is preventing the sale or purchase of dogs, not further professionalizing it by forcing it to be done only by those well-capitalized enough to finance a shelter as well as kennel.  People being willing to pay ridiculous prices for whatever trendy dog is in season - whether it be inspired by a Disney movie or  a vacuous starlet - who then abandon it when the fashion changes is what causes the problem, not a few families who give away a litter or two a decade.  All of your breeding standards won't change that, so it won't fix the problem. That the number of unclaimed pets have grown, even as spaying and neutering has gotten more common, and free dogs have become less commonly available, should not be a surprise.  It is the commoditization of these animals, which reduces them to objects to be designed and marketed that fuels both their wholesale alteration and abandonment.  To treat dogs as fellow creatures, entitled to humane treatment "health issues" and all, valued for themselves, and not their pedigree, expense, or momentary fashion, that will reduce the occasions of abandonment.  It isn't the dogs that need "fixing", it is our own heads.   http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_209036 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_209036 This isn't discrimination?  "all animals...should be spayed or neutered unless they are active in the show ring..."   Do you know of a lot of dog shows for mutts?  And even if such a thing existed, why would  activity in a show ring make an animal more worthy to re-produce than, say - playing ball or rolling around and being good with kids?   And this isn't discrimination?  "all animals...should be spayed or neutered unless...(it is for) the betterment of the breed"?  What do you think eugenics is??  And how would that apply to a mutt? Then you talk about a "responsible breeding program" which must include the taking back any of "sick or unwanted puppies (sold)".  Didn't you read what I wrote?  I said the solution to the problem is preventing the sale or purchase of dogs, not further professionalizing it by forcing it to be done only by those well-capitalized enough to finance a shelter as well as kennel.  People being willing to pay ridiculous prices for whatever trendy dog is in season - whether it be inspired by a Disney movie or  a vacuous starlet - who then abandon it when the fashion changes is what causes the problem, not a few families who give away a litter or two a decade.  All of your breeding standards won't change that, so it won't fix the problem. That the number of unclaimed pets have grown, even as spaying and neutering has gotten more common, and free dogs have become less commonly available, should not be a surprise.  It is the commoditization of these animals, which reduces them to objects to be designed and marketed that fuels both their wholesale alteration and abandonment.  To treat dogs as fellow creatures, entitled to humane treatment "health issues" and all, valued for themselves, and not their pedigree, expense, or momentary fashion, that will reduce the occasions of abandonment.  It isn't the dogs that need "fixing", it is our own heads.   Dogs and cats need to be spayed and neutered; it is that simple and that complex.  If you are a responsible pet owner, and want the best for your furry friend, do the right thing; otherwise, go back to page one of this blog and read the incredibly sad, but true, story in the day of the life of what happens to unwanted animals ~ Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight.  ~ Albert Schweitzer http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_209220 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_209220 Dogs and cats need to be spayed and neutered; it is that simple and that complex.  If you are a responsible pet owner, and want the best for your furry friend, do the right thing; otherwise, go back to page one of this blog and read the incredibly sad, but true, story in the day of the life of what happens to unwanted animals ~ Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight.  ~ Albert Schweitzer These are not my words, but are taken from a public, Bakersfield Californian Blog: People who want to see our community's pet overpopulation crisis resolved must let the Kern County Supervisors know that.  Our five Supervisors are the only people in Kern County that have the authority to implement ordinances to protect pets.  These Supervisors have hidden behind their excuse that "the public doesn't want mandatory spay/neuter pet protection regulations" for long enough. Here is a link where you can click on their e-mail addresses and send your ideas to the Kern County Supervisors and their Animal Control Commission -- maybe if they get enough e-mails from the public, they will get the message.  If you want the euthanasia rate to go down in Kern County, then tell them: deadpups.blogspot.com/ Our blog is family friendly, nothing violent or offensive is allowed.  We simply represent the dead pets of Kern County and the thousands that will continue to die every month.  They may be gone, but we will not let them be forgotten.  For more information, visit this blog: people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/Pup/22830 Remember this: Three of the five Supervisors are coming up for re-election this year...watch what they do about this and vote accordingly. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_209253 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_209253 These are not my words, but are taken from a public, Bakersfield Californian Blog: People who want to see our community's pet overpopulation crisis resolved must let the Kern County Supervisors know that.  Our five Supervisors are the only people in Kern County that have the authority to implement ordinances to protect pets.  These Supervisors have hidden behind their excuse that "the public doesn't want mandatory spay/neuter pet protection regulations" for long enough. Here is a link where you can click on their e-mail addresses and send your ideas to the Kern County Supervisors and their Animal Control Commission -- maybe if they get enough e-mails from the public, they will get the message.  If you want the euthanasia rate to go down in Kern County, then tell them: deadpups.blogspot.com/ Our blog is family friendly, nothing violent or offensive is allowed.  We simply represent the dead pets of Kern County and the thousands that will continue to die every month.  They may be gone, but we will not let them be forgotten.  For more information, visit this blog: people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/Pup/22830 Remember this: Three of the five Supervisors are coming up for re-election this year...watch what they do about this and vote accordingly. Spay and neuter your pets; please see below:  http://ga4.org/nd.html?r=g1_iRv5qlRj_&n=20495238   http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_209508 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_209508 Spay and neuter your pets; please see below:  http://ga4.org/nd.html?r=g1_iRv5qlRj_&n=20495238    The article's author, James Burger, planned on writing a series of articles about the high rate of killing we do in this county.  Those couple quotes from Teri Kahn were from a 55-minute telephone interview.  There was a lot more said.  I don't know if he will still publish the other articles since today the Board of Supervisors have seen fit to preempt the work done by the public and the Animal Control Commission over the past year and mandate a countywide MSN by June. Looks like we all get to suffer at the whims of some animal rights fanatics.  If the government requires my dog to undergo surgery, does the government then assume responsibility if there are complications from the surgery? Will the animal rights kooks pay my vet bills when my male dog gets cancer? I think that if my rights are removed then so is my responsibility. If I have nothing to say about when or if my animal is required to undergo government-mandated surgery that removes portions of his or her body, then I have no responsibility to either pay for the surgery or the aftermath.     http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_209658 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_209658  The article's author, James Burger, planned on writing a series of articles about the high rate of killing we do in this county.  Those couple quotes from Teri Kahn were from a 55-minute telephone interview.  There was a lot more said.  I don't know if he will still publish the other articles since today the Board of Supervisors have seen fit to preempt the work done by the public and the Animal Control Commission over the past year and mandate a countywide MSN by June. Looks like we all get to suffer at the whims of some animal rights fanatics.  If the government requires my dog to undergo surgery, does the government then assume responsibility if there are complications from the surgery? Will the animal rights kooks pay my vet bills when my male dog gets cancer? I think that if my rights are removed then so is my responsibility. If I have nothing to say about when or if my animal is required to undergo government-mandated surgery that removes portions of his or her body, then I have no responsibility to either pay for the surgery or the aftermath.      TK - this has nothing to do with animal rights - would you call mandatory sterilization an advancement of human rights? And DonMar - I suppose you can be counted on to say "should too" as often as necessary to win the argument.  But no doubt that is the depth of understanding necessary for Don Maben to continue his advocacy for more KB homes across our community.  This isn't about animal control, its about government of, by, and for the developers. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_209744 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_209744  TK - this has nothing to do with animal rights - would you call mandatory sterilization an advancement of human rights? And DonMar - I suppose you can be counted on to say "should too" as often as necessary to win the argument.  But no doubt that is the depth of understanding necessary for Don Maben to continue his advocacy for more KB homes across our community.  This isn't about animal control, its about government of, by, and for the developers.  This has everything to do with animals rights. The movement to twist people's emotions by equating pet-dumping with a supposed 'over-population' of pets is from the PETA playbook.  I'm sure you've heard of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.  They have a mission statement to remove every dog and cat from our homes (because dogs and cats should only be seen in the wild).  MSN is an excellent way to remove our dogs and cats.  Showing the tragic, government sponsored and public supported, killing of dogs and cats plays on every person capable of empathy.  Then they say these killings are necessary because there are more animals than homes, so either animals must be killed or every animal must be sterilized.  But, facts do not support their contentions.  Regions that have decided to stop killing animals in all but truly humane circumstances have found that aggressive foster and adoption programs work better than MSN or limit laws to rehome and retain pets.         There is a vast difference between animal rights and animal welfare. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_210395 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_210395  This has everything to do with animals rights. The movement to twist people's emotions by equating pet-dumping with a supposed 'over-population' of pets is from the PETA playbook.  I'm sure you've heard of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.  They have a mission statement to remove every dog and cat from our homes (because dogs and cats should only be seen in the wild).  MSN is an excellent way to remove our dogs and cats.  Showing the tragic, government sponsored and public supported, killing of dogs and cats plays on every person capable of empathy.  Then they say these killings are necessary because there are more animals than homes, so either animals must be killed or every animal must be sterilized.  But, facts do not support their contentions.  Regions that have decided to stop killing animals in all but truly humane circumstances have found that aggressive foster and adoption programs work better than MSN or limit laws to rehome and retain pets.         There is a vast difference between animal rights and animal welfare.  TK-dogs who have been neutered are not dropping over dead from cancer in the 1000's everyday. Yes, your dog has a slight , very minimal risk of getting prostate cancer from being castrated.  But offset that with the virtually no risk of getting testicular cancer and the chance of him getting cancer decreases even more. And if you don't want to castrate him--have him get a vasectomy! I've seen more unaltered dogs killed or had to be euthanized from dog fights (unaltered males/females plus higher hormone levels equals aggressiveness/fighting) than from cancer. But something HAS TO BE DONE ABOUT PET OVERPOPULATION and the current trend of leaving pets unaltered is most contributing factor in pet reproduction.  And females who have not been spayed run the risk of pymetria and  more die from it than from being spayed.  The government is stepping in and mandating MSN because overpopulation is affecting the county.  They have to pay to pick up, take care of and ultimately euthanize most of the animals they come into contact with which is costing them lots of $$$$.  Money that would be better spent than killing animals.    If you are so against MSN then what is the solution to end pet overpopulation? Direct steps that can be taken, not just generalizations about more responsible pet ownership. It sound like you are more ticked off at the government telling you what to do and possibly violating YOUR RIGHTS,  ("if my rights are removed ..." ) than you are about the animals.  But what about the rights of the animals being euthanized?     http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_210400 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_210400  TK-dogs who have been neutered are not dropping over dead from cancer in the 1000's everyday. Yes, your dog has a slight , very minimal risk of getting prostate cancer from being castrated.  But offset that with the virtually no risk of getting testicular cancer and the chance of him getting cancer decreases even more. And if you don't want to castrate him--have him get a vasectomy! I've seen more unaltered dogs killed or had to be euthanized from dog fights (unaltered males/females plus higher hormone levels equals aggressiveness/fighting) than from cancer. But something HAS TO BE DONE ABOUT PET OVERPOPULATION and the current trend of leaving pets unaltered is most contributing factor in pet reproduction.  And females who have not been spayed run the risk of pymetria and  more die from it than from being spayed.  The government is stepping in and mandating MSN because overpopulation is affecting the county.  They have to pay to pick up, take care of and ultimately euthanize most of the animals they come into contact with which is costing them lots of $$$$.  Money that would be better spent than killing animals.    If you are so against MSN then what is the solution to end pet overpopulation? Direct steps that can be taken, not just generalizations about more responsible pet ownership. It sound like you are more ticked off at the government telling you what to do and possibly violating YOUR RIGHTS,  ("if my rights are removed ..." ) than you are about the animals.  But what about the rights of the animals being euthanized?     Good post awsmom I got a lot out of your post and that of Progessives as well.   TK you must know that Tehachapi has aggressive foster programs and they are having a hard time finding homes for the few dogs that they can rescue. Thus, I don't think your idea will work here in Kern County. If anyone said reproduction of humans should be true only for bettering a certain RACE , you would think they were a reincarnation of Hitler.   So why is it OK to spay/neuter only mutts, and not pure breeds again??? This is a tough subject because this is indeed a human rights issue. This is how I see it: We take away people's right to do things in America for the good of all ,as it should be For example, we are not allowed to drink and drive.  "Now I swear I can drink and drive without hurting anyone..I'm a professional. My rights were taken away simply because of other people's inability to handle their booze. That's not right "... blah, blah, blah. blaaaahh. There are other examples but I happen to like this one. lol I think the same laws should be taken when it comes to spaying/neutering dogs and cats.  I know that YOU are a responsible human being,  but you see... MOST people are not and they are causing the death of millions and millions and millions of dogs and cats.  For those of you who think that a mandatory law of spaying/neutering YOUR pet/s is not worth saving millions of other peoples pets...may I suggest you go to the animal concentration camps (shelters) and witness these killings for yourself.  It's a horrible sight to see truck loads of dead dogs and cats drive away from shelters, and I would think it worth it,  to give up your right to breed your dog or cat in order to stop this madness..  I know some of you breeders want the money and some people who show their dogs/cats want ,more of their superior breed.... but yes I mean all dogs and cats. Shelters are killing unwanted pure breeds as well, in case you didn't know that. The killing of many dogs and cats is a serious and heartbreaking problem ...forgive me it I don't care about your right to breed your pet simply because you think your pet is a "superior race". http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_210425 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_210425 Good post awsmom I got a lot out of your post and that of Progessives as well.   TK you must know that Tehachapi has aggressive foster programs and they are having a hard time finding homes for the few dogs that they can rescue. Thus, I don't think your idea will work here in Kern County. If anyone said reproduction of humans should be true only for bettering a certain RACE , you would think they were a reincarnation of Hitler.   So why is it OK to spay/neuter only mutts, and not pure breeds again??? This is a tough subject because this is indeed a human rights issue. This is how I see it: We take away people's right to do things in America for the good of all ,as it should be For example, we are not allowed to drink and drive.  "Now I swear I can drink and drive without hurting anyone..I'm a professional. My rights were taken away simply because of other people's inability to handle their booze. That's not right "... blah, blah, blah. blaaaahh. There are other examples but I happen to like this one. lol I think the same laws should be taken when it comes to spaying/neutering dogs and cats.  I know that YOU are a responsible human being,  but you see... MOST people are not and they are causing the death of millions and millions and millions of dogs and cats.  For those of you who think that a mandatory law of spaying/neutering YOUR pet/s is not worth saving millions of other peoples pets...may I suggest you go to the animal concentration camps (shelters) and witness these killings for yourself.  It's a horrible sight to see truck loads of dead dogs and cats drive away from shelters, and I would think it worth it,  to give up your right to breed your dog or cat in order to stop this madness..  I know some of you breeders want the money and some people who show their dogs/cats want ,more of their superior breed.... but yes I mean all dogs and cats. Shelters are killing unwanted pure breeds as well, in case you didn't know that. The killing of many dogs and cats is a serious and heartbreaking problem ...forgive me it I don't care about your right to breed your pet simply because you think your pet is a "superior race". Gee, awsmom8 -  I proposed a solution to end animal population and you ignored it, why should TK expect different? Since we agree that wholesale slaughter of dogs and cats is evidence of a deficient culture, why is the protection of the for-profit breeding industry so important to you? As for altering animals, I have personally created several hundred barrows and steers with my trusty razor blade and clamps, so I have nothing against alteration in principle.  However, I've also never found it that difficult to keep my animals in, so I've never had the problems you seem to think are so inevitable with unaltered household pets.  I confess that I don't see the neighbor's stray dog meeting up with mine (hasn't happened in 7 years, but I suppose it might) as being a big tragedy.  Mutts have to come from somewhere. Like I said, the Board of Supervisors doesn't care about animal welfare they care about creating subdivisions, and this is all about creating conditions more welcoming to developers, not about animal welfare.  Those who do care about animals are just being used to advance this anti-animal agenda. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_210550 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_210550 Gee, awsmom8 -  I proposed a solution to end animal population and you ignored it, why should TK expect different? Since we agree that wholesale slaughter of dogs and cats is evidence of a deficient culture, why is the protection of the for-profit breeding industry so important to you? As for altering animals, I have personally created several hundred barrows and steers with my trusty razor blade and clamps, so I have nothing against alteration in principle.  However, I've also never found it that difficult to keep my animals in, so I've never had the problems you seem to think are so inevitable with unaltered household pets.  I confess that I don't see the neighbor's stray dog meeting up with mine (hasn't happened in 7 years, but I suppose it might) as being a big tragedy.  Mutts have to come from somewhere. Like I said, the Board of Supervisors doesn't care about animal welfare they care about creating subdivisions, and this is all about creating conditions more welcoming to developers, not about animal welfare.  Those who do care about animals are just being used to advance this anti-animal agenda.  fallacy: people dumping their pets = too many pets in existence fallacy: we must kill pets because there aren't enough homes fallacy: the only way people will be responsible is by governmental oversight and mandate truth: animals get dumped because the people don't care about them, not because they are downsizing their yard population truth: there are plenty of homes and no-kill shelters have found effective methods to get pets into new homes truth: people often want to do the right thing but are either ignorant or poor instead of MSN or Limit Laws: public education, free or low-cost spay/neuter clinics, trap-neuter-release programs for feral cats, a foster care system, networking with rescue groups, adoption support that includes problem-behavior solutions and low-cost training classes so pets will stay in their new homes  http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_211404 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_211404  fallacy: people dumping their pets = too many pets in existence fallacy: we must kill pets because there aren't enough homes fallacy: the only way people will be responsible is by governmental oversight and mandate truth: animals get dumped because the people don't care about them, not because they are downsizing their yard population truth: there are plenty of homes and no-kill shelters have found effective methods to get pets into new homes truth: people often want to do the right thing but are either ignorant or poor instead of MSN or Limit Laws: public education, free or low-cost spay/neuter clinics, trap-neuter-release programs for feral cats, a foster care system, networking with rescue groups, adoption support that includes problem-behavior solutions and low-cost training classes so pets will stay in their new homes  Remember, the Tehachapi Humane Society provides spay/neuter vouchers to help defray the cost of the procedure.  They have vouchers available with their S.N.A.P. program for lower income families located within the City of Tehachapi and East Golden Hills, and they also have a feral cat program that takes care of spaying/neutering the ferals.  Last year Tehachapi Humane Society was instrumental in the spaying and neutering of 864 dogs and cats. The adults need to wake up to the idea that domestic animals are just that, domestic.  We humans have made them that way so they are dependent on us to feed and care for them.  They are a part of the family.  My family was military when I was growing up and we moved continually.  I went to 12 different schools by the time I graduated from high school and in all the moves, we never got rid of our animals.  My parents felt that the stress of leaving friends and changing schools was difficult enough for us kids without losing our animals.  My Rusty dog and our cat Poos Poos traveled with us from Tacoma, Washington to Walla Walla, Washington, to Great Falls, Montana, to Victorville, California to San Bernardino, California to Langley, A.F.B. Virginia, to Hampton, Virginia (where Poos Poos died) but Rusty was still with us when we went to Plattsburg, New York and then back to Newport News, Virginia.  When we left there to come out here to Merced the vet said he wasn't physically able to make the trip so we had to put him down.  It was an awful trip without him. Animals make connections with humans that other humans can't even make.  They trust and love you unconditionally.  They think you are the most wonderful thing in the world. I heard a joke recently that said...you can tell love easily.  Lock your wife/husband along with your dog in the trunk of a car for an hour, open the trunk and see who's going to be happy to see you?     http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_211430 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_211430 Remember, the Tehachapi Humane Society provides spay/neuter vouchers to help defray the cost of the procedure.  They have vouchers available with their S.N.A.P. program for lower income families located within the City of Tehachapi and East Golden Hills, and they also have a feral cat program that takes care of spaying/neutering the ferals.  Last year Tehachapi Humane Society was instrumental in the spaying and neutering of 864 dogs and cats. The adults need to wake up to the idea that domestic animals are just that, domestic.  We humans have made them that way so they are dependent on us to feed and care for them.  They are a part of the family.  My family was military when I was growing up and we moved continually.  I went to 12 different schools by the time I graduated from high school and in all the moves, we never got rid of our animals.  My parents felt that the stress of leaving friends and changing schools was difficult enough for us kids without losing our animals.  My Rusty dog and our cat Poos Poos traveled with us from Tacoma, Washington to Walla Walla, Washington, to Great Falls, Montana, to Victorville, California to San Bernardino, California to Langley, A.F.B. Virginia, to Hampton, Virginia (where Poos Poos died) but Rusty was still with us when we went to Plattsburg, New York and then back to Newport News, Virginia.  When we left there to come out here to Merced the vet said he wasn't physically able to make the trip so we had to put him down.  It was an awful trip without him. Animals make connections with humans that other humans can't even make.  They trust and love you unconditionally.  They think you are the most wonderful thing in the world. I heard a joke recently that said...you can tell love easily.  Lock your wife/husband along with your dog in the trunk of a car for an hour, open the trunk and see who's going to be happy to see you?     LOL, good one Sharon.  Sad, but true.  The unconditional love and acceptance dogs and cats provide just can't be beat. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_211475 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/luvmy2girls/22822/#c_211475 LOL, good one Sharon.  Sad, but true.  The unconditional love and acceptance dogs and cats provide just can't be beat.