Animals Running At Large

There is a law against letting domestic animals run at large.    In a nut shell it means if the animal belongs to you - you are responsible.    And then, what does responsible mean?    You provide food, water and shelter.  That’s the least you can do but that doesn't go far enough.    We must not and cannot expect others to watch out for our pets.  

Last week, on my way to town, there was a large German Shepherd dead along the road.    No collar and no tags.    Someone had been taking care of him,  but who?   Did they miss him or even look?    I don't know.     Mishaps happen and pets do get away from us despite our best efforts.    All too many times, however,  pets are allowed to run free.    Totally free.     Free to wander the country side or neighborhood and free to get hit by a vehicle, get lost, and caught in traps.

Last night on Fox 9 news there was a segment about a black lab dog that had her muzzle caught in a wire snare.  Snares are legal.   Please read the following.     Just a heads up that the dog survived and will be OK.    Don't say,  I just love animals too much to read it.    All the more reason to read it.    If you do love animals and care about their welfare, then it's up to you to change things.  Don't leave it up to others to do the work.    Get involved.   Not easy but it can be done.

PRINCETON, Minn. (KMSP) -

"A black lab is recovering after getting caught in a trapping snare just north of the Twin Cities.

The dog was first spotted Wednesday near Princeton, Minn. -- about an hour north of the metro. She's now recovering after being rescued by volunteers with Pets in Crisis.

A veterinarian says some of her teeth are broken and the deep cut on her face was healing over the wire. Rescuers say the dog went four days without being able to eat or drink

"They set the traps, the animal gets their foot in there," said Claudia Beckman, with Pets in Crisis. "In this case the dog's face got in there and every time you pull, it tightens."

New fur trapping regulations are aimed at preventing these types of accidents, and the Minnesota DNR warns trappers about accidentally capturing dogs.

The dog was unleashed and not wearing tags. She will be handed over to an animal rescue.

Read more: Black lab trapped in wire near Princeton, Minn. - KMSP-TV http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/20183263/black-lab-caught-in-snare-..."

Snares and traps are cruel.    They cause animals to suffer and this dog was one of the lucky ones.    That is if you want to say having a wire around your muzzle, breaking your teeth off trying to get free, not being able to eat or drink, lucky.    Lucky in the sense that caring people didn't give up until they were able to bring this dog to a veterinarian for care and treatment.   How many animals are so fortunate.  My guess, not many.   Will the owner come forward?    I would be surprised if they do.   If they do come forward, are they willing to pay the veterinarian costs or is that a good reason not to come forward?  

We must hold our Governor and Legislators responsible and accountable for continuing to allow this practice.   They have the power and ability to change the law and ban snares and leg hold traps.   

As angry as I am and sickened by this practice, the ultimate responsibility falls to the owners.    We cannot pass our responsibility off onto others.  In particular, those who do not care about animal suffering.     Don't be fooled, as I was, when our Governor made a big deal about the puppies he adopted.    I'm sure he cares about his dogs.   His dogs.     When it comes to compassion for animal suffering, we are talking about a Governor who wouldn't even - for publicity sake - pardon a turkey for more than one day.   

Even though the election is over, let your elected officials know what you think.    Insist on a change if they want your support.    The election is over and now the work begins.