Letter: Don’t dump small animals that can’t care for themselves

After the county fair and Easter are busy times for those of us who rescue small animals. Bunnies, chickens, ducks, et cetera, bought on a whim without a thought, are either dumped or accidentally end up in unsafe spots. They run loose due to people not having the proper and safe habitats for these critters before they take them home.

This year six chickens were dumped in Columbia Park, and only four made it out alive. A rabbit let loose in an apartment complex, one in Columbia Park, one on a ditch bank, a loose domestic rat and so many others in unimaginably terrible places. Many times we don’t get to them in time and find them deceased. These pets are most always underweight, dehydrated and sick, requiring vet care.

If you think for one minute any animal dependent upon humans to care for them will make it on their own, “free in the wild,” then you are beyond mistaken. If you buy a pet on a whim, unprepared for what it takes to properly care for the pet — what they are about, how long they live, etc. — please just don’t.

We are tired of cleaning up the mess of irresponsible people.

This story was originally published September 25, 2016 at 4:20 AM with the headline "Letter: Don’t dump small animals that can’t care for themselves."