Ignorance and Cruel Animal Care

Some people believe that the oil from your automobile can cure mange. This only results in serious, painful burns to the animal. Mange needs to be resolved through parasiticidal treatments. There are two types of mange:
Sarcoptic Mange, also known as Scabies, is highly contagious. The animal will have to be separated from other animals, and a change of bedding. The canine sarcoptic mite can also infest humans and cats, pigs, horses, sheep and various other species.
Demodectic Mange, also known as Red mange, is caused by sensitivity to and overpopulation of Demodex Canis as the animal's immune system is unable to keep the mites in check. This is not contagious.

Many animal owners get their animals when they are very young. What many people don't realize is that they are going to get bigger. In many cases, animals are given collars. If not properly adjusted as the animals grows, the collar becomes embedded into the animals neck. This happens to hundreds of yard dogs each year that are chained to trees as puppies.

When people are getting new pets, the majority want babies. They are cute! But what happens when the owner fails to realize that a kitten can live up to 20 years. Are they able to make that commitment? Do they realize that they wont be cute adorable babies in a year? You would be surprised how many people enter shelters each week stating "This ones old time to change it in for a new one" or "The dog ran away so I need a replacement".

One common misconception is that shelters need animals to make a profit. Some people actually believe that they are contributing by allowing their animal to have multiple litters then dumping them off at shelters. "Here's this years litter" is a known saying from these people that apparently think the shelter has a shortage of animals. There are millions of animals being euthanized each year because there are not enough homes. Shelters don't need your animals for profit.

Declawing your cat? It is not the nail that is removed. Declawing removes everything up to the second knuckle. It is painful. Leads to problems using litter boxes. It is dangerous for a declawed cat to be outside with no means of protection. Grown cats have been known to go mad after these surgeries and latter euthanized for it. It is unnecessary when there are other ways to save a "precious couch".