I was just sent a really disturbing e-mail.  I'm not savvy enough to be able to copy it and post here.  Once again, I'm learning computers on the fly!

The short story is that Philadelphia is going to enact a new Animal Control rule, which simply put, will allow that animals picked up off the street will be put down within 48 hours of them arriving in a shelter.  This includes lost pets.

We are already fighting a losing battle, when it comes to housing animals.  Lancaster County is one of the worst areas in the United States, in terms of the puppy-mills there.  People buy from pet stores, not understanding that the adorable puppy or kitten will grow, need regular food and exercise, should the animal even survive the trauma of it's early months of over-crowding, lack of care and constant crating.

If people could only buy from licensed and reputable breeders, they would be "vetted", as well as more informed about the long-term care of their animal.  For the rest of us, who can't afford to do so, we could do what I've always done.  Pick 'em up off the street, or get them from shelters.

It should be policy that people learn about the importance of "fixing" a pet, before they go home with it.  You don't need an animal that's ready to breed, unless you are a Professional Breeder.  I've been involved in helping relinquished animals find new homes, for a while now.  There is a large network of animal lovers, shelter volunteers and "transporters" who help move a newly placed abandoned from State to State, until it reaches it's new home.

We've seen a worrying up-tick of large pure-bred, young dogs, (e.g. two year-old Akitas), being surrendered to shelters.  I believe that this is in part, because people don't fully understand the kind of commitment that they make in buying these animals.  There is also the issue of the economy, which I'm sure plays a massive role in the increase of homeless pets.  People are losing their jobs, their homes and their ability to support any "extras".

Ceasar Milan, the dog-whisperer, wrote that the least neurotic dogs in the States belong to the homeless.  Why?  Because the homeless person is a pack leader, they roam/exercise first, eat next and then share affection.  In a recent e-mail from a shelter, they were trying desperately to place two dogs that had been taken away from a homeless man.  There had been a third, but she'd been put down within hours of her arrival.  How bloody pointless was that?

To read about and sign the petition, please go to the petition site.   Oh, and jot down your beastie lovin' e-mail contacts, because they have a part where you can forward the petition on to others.