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Take an up-close look at a "drop box"

By Joe Johnson
jjohnson@HanfordSentinel.com

At the request of online bloggers on this Web site, this reporter traveled out to Kings County Animal Control to inspect the animal "drop boxes" that are causing lots of local controversy.

The phrase "drop box" is itself a bit of a misnomer, as it conjures up images of a mail box or library book return, where a drawer is opened, something is inserted, then when closed, the parcel descends down a ramp. This is not what you find at Animal Control.

Instead, the boxes are a series of large, metal lockers set into an archway in the side of the building, between the parking lot and the kennels. Standing roughly 6 feet high and maybe 4 feet across, there are eight containers available, each with a accompanying chain and padlock to secure the animal(s) once inside.

Above the boxes is a wood sign featuring a smiling, cartoon dog, which reads, "Please do not put cats in the big boxes unless all other boxes are full. Large boxes are for large dogs. Thanks! Animal Control." The two larger boxes are on the bottom and are roughly the same size as one and a half of the regular boxes above, both in terms of width and height.

Each box has a rectangular opening cut into the front and back so the animal can receive light and air flow, though there doesn't appear to be anything regularly circulating cool air through the enclosure. The interior is also covered with a coarse material that prevents the animal from sitting on hot metal and is, presumably, easier to clean off at a later date.

It doesn't appear that there is food or water available to the animal once inside, however, these could be placed in the boxes when Animal Control personnel leave for the weekend. When the Sentinel visited the location, it was only 3 p.m. on a weekday.

Next to the drop boxes is another sign that reads, "Animals turned into this shelter may be used for research purposes or to supply blood, tissue or other biological products."

So now you know.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2425.

(April 4, 2008)

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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the views of the Hanford Sentinel

Positive Person wrote on Apr 4, 2008 4:03 PM:

" Nice story. You presented the facts very well. "

deano wrote on Apr 4, 2008 4:07 PM:

" I bet I can fit my mother-inlaw in there.....hummm... "

Shakes My Head wrote on Apr 5, 2008 12:48 AM:

" so does the sentinal now work for the county too to place an animal in a Metal box whether carpeted or not is in humane and should not be allowed the old prisons did this also except they called them hotboxes it was considered punishment for bad behavior as well as isolation animals have feeling whether the Nazi at animal control want o admit it or Not and you can bet the cheap penny pinchers dont feed or water the animals dont beleave me check it yourself except next time dont tell them you are coming "

HANFORD CITIZEN wrote on Apr 5, 2008 8:57 AM:

" Who Cares about the drop boxes. Only person interested are the pot smoking, liberal, san francisco, feel good, tree hugging people "

Not so mad in Nevada at the moment wrote on Apr 5, 2008 12:21 PM:

" Wow- I really feel that the Sentinel went above and beyond their call of duty by actually going there and checking for everyone that couldn't seem to go check it out for themselves. And they took pictures for everyone to see. I don't feel the Sentinel was taking the countys side- they were giving you what you asked for. I say- Good Job! "

jh wrote on Apr 5, 2008 1:26 PM:

" 'Shakes My Head' is right. The boxes are inhumane. It's better to drown puppies and kittens and put them in the trash can. "

"To Hanford Citzen" wrote on Apr 5, 2008 3:51 PM:

" What do you mean, "Who cares about the drop boxes"

That shows what type of person you are. We should all care; it is inhumane to force a dog or cat in there to sit from Friday after they close to Mon. morning.

The reporter should have asked if they put food in water in there and not just made an assumption. No they do not put food in there. Thanks Hanford Sentinel for making the drop boxes look as they are plush hotel rooms for these animals!!!

If people are so worrrid about what the drop boxes look like then GO VISIST THEM YOURSLEF!!!!!!!!
"

amazing... wrote on Apr 5, 2008 4:12 PM:

" the more "Shakes My Head" and "jh" talk/post the more unreasonable they sound. I've always thought that the more you let people talk the more you'll learn about them... The Sentinel did what people have been asking them to do - find out and report. We now know that some people will never be satisfied. "

south side hanford wrote on Apr 5, 2008 6:08 PM:

" I have been unable to get the SPCA or Animal control to respond to an animal cruelty situation I reported to them ONE WEEK AGO. I would go pick the poor dog up myself but its a really run down house and I don't feel safe. Does anyone know of another Humane Society or Dog rescue that can help me? "

ppg. wrote on Apr 5, 2008 7:30 PM:

" Hey people, please hold your negative comments.
This was a good objective article that should show people that these animals are at least sheltered and off the streets temporarily. Any animal that is not injured can survive quite comfortably for a few hours in those boxes. It looks like there is natural air flow and light. This is a better situation than letting the animal run on the streets and get run over by cars or the train.
We should all be sensible about this. "

Good Basic Story wrote on Apr 5, 2008 9:36 PM:

" Good basic story- but how about a little more in-depth? Visit it on a Friday night and see how many animals are still in them 24 hours later. Why not find out if food and water are placed in them (they're not) instead of saying that "it could be?" Why not take a temperature reading on a hot day? "

Waste of Newspaper Ink wrote on Apr 5, 2008 11:19 PM:

" This article was ridiculous. There's not even a story here. "So now we don't know" anything that we didn't before. "

Hugo Skamm wrote on Apr 6, 2008 1:14 AM:

" jh wrote on Apr 5, 2008 3:26 PM:

" 'Shakes My Head' is right. The boxes are inhumane. It's better to drown puppies and kittens and put them in the trash can. "

At least the boxes give an animal a chance. Itmay not be perfect, but it's gotta be better than drowning. "

Blue Falcon wrote on Apr 6, 2008 6:36 AM:

" I have here that In Somalia, during "Operation Restore hope" in 1993, when Somaliee's would attempt to break into the "few" military camps at the Airport and soccer stadium and would get caught, the UN and US forces would put there "captured" prisoners inside large metal boxes (Conex's), like you see on large cargo ships... when the Somaliee's would finally be released hours later, they apparently had to be drug out because they were so dehydrated from sweating so much due to the heat.

I'm a little soft when it comes to animals, but I wonder what these animals must think or feel in those metal boxes during the peak of the summer heat?
"

TO JH wrote on Apr 6, 2008 8:11 AM:

" Wow so now people should drown animals and toss them in the trash can as opposed to placing an animal in a box for someone to help it. My animal was lost once and someone did take use of the boxes--I have my pet back now. I'm certainly glad you didn't find it, seeing as how you'd probably have drowned her and threw her in the trash. Yes the boxes could stand to be upgraded with an air/heat system. I'm sure the county feels the same. I too wondered about food and water so I asked, in the summer/high heat times there are water bowls, however food is not placed because it draws ants and many times the dogs/puppies get eat up by the ants..so now you know! "

BJMallory wrote on Apr 6, 2008 9:30 AM:

" jh wrote: The boxes are inhumane. It's better to drown puppies and kittens and put them in the trash can. "

I think it's equally inhumane to drown puupies and kittens, jh. What's better for not only the animals but for EVERYONE is to spay and neuter your pets so no unwanted puppies and kittens have to be killed, PERIOD. "

Jackie K. wrote on Apr 6, 2008 11:12 AM:

" It wasn't a "waste of newspaper ink." This appeared only online as a service to our bloggers. "

Illegal Drop Boxes wrote on Apr 6, 2008 11:46 AM:

" These boxes are illegal and they are inhumane. How would you like to be in a metal box either in the freezing cold weather or the miserable hot weather with the little bit of breathing room in these boxes? Why isn't animal control charges with cruelty? They are cruel. "

well then... wrote on Apr 6, 2008 12:46 PM:

" Just a suggestion, but since this was just an online story, how about a more in depth follow up in the print edition? Maybe get an interview with someone from the shelter describing exactly how the boxes are used and when and how often they are checked. Also, since the summer gets pretty hot around here, ask if they do anything special during the summer; putting out water, checking the boxes more frequently. Some of these bloggers have jumped to a lot of conclusions without hard facts...maybe it's time to supply those facts. "

To Blue Falcon... wrote on Apr 6, 2008 12:50 PM:

" I think we get into trouble when we start thinking of our pets as people.... "

animal/treehugger wrote on Apr 6, 2008 12:56 PM:

" To: BJMallory
What a novel approach. Spay and neuter your pets! Hmmmmm? Oh come on, then we wouldn't have all those cats and dogs to euthanize. Wait a minute, that IS a GREAT idea. Too bad there aren't enough "intelligent" humans with the same idea to match all those dead animals. "

Strays wrote on Apr 6, 2008 1:02 PM:

" I have dropped many (Trapped)stray cats off at the drop boxes. I always ask the next day what happened to them. Being that they are feral, most of them are put down at once. The tame ones are put up for adoption. No Thanks to an old lady that feeds about 100 of them nearby. "

pattie wrote on Apr 6, 2008 1:14 PM:

" Drop boxes are inhumane and have been closed in shelters all over california. One example was in the Mohave shelter, part of Kern County Animal Control. When brought to court, the judge immediately issued a TRO to close the drop boxes indefinitely. Use of drop boxes allows owners to abandon pets without proving ownership, which is against the law. Additionally without heat or air conditioning, the animals are subjected to extremes of weather, which is cruel, and do without food and water for lengths of time that are inhumane.
To subject animals to cruel conditions for the supposed convenience of the public is unacceptable, and Kings County needs to follow the recommendations of the audit THEY ordered and close those boxes. "

Not so mad in Nevada at the moment wrote on Apr 6, 2008 8:39 PM:

" You guys should be happy you don't live out in the country with me where we all have .22s and know how to use them and if an animal becomes a problem people take care of them themselves if the coyotes don't get them first. - But I have learned that some of you are just never happy about anything. I have family like that- the sun can be shinning and they will tell you it's a horrible day just to complain about something. "

All For It wrote on Apr 6, 2008 11:30 PM:

" Jackie K. I agree this was a good article and all people would have to do is wait until Sunday evening to drop off pets and there wouldn't need to be food available. Also it wouldn't be so terribly long without water if they would give them water prior to dropping them off. But then being responsible pet owners could make those boxes obsolete don't you think? That is my primary suggestion. Blue Falcon, you know it takes us vets to have a soft heart for the under dog, no pun intended. Although I agree on those hottest of days I would think a fan could be provided for those animals. Drive by most dairies now and you see rows and rows of fans for the cows, perhaps something like that might work. You might even have a Dairyman that would be willing to donate a fan or two. Just a suggestion to solve a simple problem. To those who wish to drown animals and stuff them in the trash, meet me at the animal shelter I have some whoop a_ _ waiting for ya. "

jh wrote on Apr 7, 2008 6:48 AM:

" I can't believe how some people don't know obvious sarcasm when they see it. Come on, lighten up and smile once in a while! "

NOT A pot smoking, liberal, san francisco, feel good, tree hugging people wrote on Apr 7, 2008 8:27 AM:

" I agree that these boxes are inhumane. Isn't there someone available to work weekends?

How we treat animals (and those who can't fight their own battles) shows our character. Animals and others need people willing to take the jabs and speak out for them.

If people would only spay & neuter their animals this would be an unnecessary subject. Also, quit home breeding animals. You want one? Adopt one!

If you don't want your animal, I will take it and find it a good home, what about more foster families. I'm willing! "

Providing A Service? wrote on Apr 7, 2008 9:44 AM:

" I'm tired of reading that the drop boxes "provide a service to the community." (Sheriff Jordan's quote) You know what? Meth and pot dealers could use the same argument- they're providing a service to the community. They provide drug addicts with the drugs. But guess what? Meth and pot are illegal . . . and so are the drop boxes. When did we trade compassion for convenience? "

This is reporting?? wrote on Apr 7, 2008 10:28 AM:

" My kindergartner could have written this article. Where's the info? We've heard that they're illegal . . tell us WHY. It can't be because someone thinks they're "inhumane." Exactly what laws are being violated? Have a sidebar- tell us specifically what codes. Where's the reporting? I thought reporters were supposed to investigate- search for the facts and report them to the people. This guy took a photo of some boxes and gave us word-for-word what the signs say. Anyone could've gone down there and have seen that for themselves. "

Jackie K. wrote on Apr 7, 2008 11:01 AM:

" AGAIN, I will reiterate that our reporter was asked to go take a look at the drop boxes in response to a request by one of our readers. This was NOT supposed to be the definitive investigative piece on such boxes, and their place in Kings County. It is what it is: A photo and a description of the boxes, provided as a service to those who've never seen them. In our view, this helps put into perspective the myriad stories we already have run on this controversial practice. "

Not so mad in Nevada at the moment wrote on Apr 7, 2008 1:50 PM:

" Yeah you're right- anyone could have gone down there and looked for themselves- but you weren't! So the Sentinel did what you asked for why then are you being so critical. "

I think that wrote on Apr 7, 2008 2:27 PM:

" It is inhuman for the poeple that are putting the dogs in the box. We as a society have to do something and the drop boxes are a start. Why when we try to do something things are bad. I have an idea for all the complainers GO AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!! Ask maybe they need help. I have done my part there by taking food, blankets, newspaper. Chop chop people lets get involved!! "

Animal CONtrol wrote on Apr 7, 2008 3:06 PM:

" Just came from the animal control. They are rude with no infromation on any of their dogs/cats. If they are owner surrenders why not list the dogs good/bad habits? Poor dogs!! It was horriable, with fecus everywhere and the smell was bad!!!

I feel sorry for the animals!!! "

ALEJANDRO wrote on Apr 7, 2008 5:34 PM:

" OK, here are some suggestions if drop boxes are to be humane:

Part of the staff's job description would be to check the drop boxes on a regular schedule, say every three or four hours in the hot season. If an animal is deposited, the staff person then moves them to a processing/holding kennel inside.

And/or have a phone number on the box that would let the animal depositor call in to on-call staff so the animal could be moved inside in a timely manner.

Or perhaps an electronic switch to alert staff that the box lid had been opened and then have on-call staff respond in a timely manner.

Boxes should have a constant source of clean water, like the simple continuous gravity feeders you buy for your pets at home.

This isn't rocket science, people. I'm sure something could be worked out that is both cost-effective and efficient. We just want to not be cruel to animals that have no where else to go. "

JM wrote on Apr 7, 2008 6:34 PM:

" hard story to see and read, but if it sheds light on a solution- its worth it. It isnt AC's fault, its the fault of humans who dont accept the responsiblity having an animal brings. I have never understood how anyone can turn their head or treat an animal badly. Shame on you who wrote crappy responses to this article. You arent on this planet alone. Thats the problem-
no apathy. Can YOU imagine spending a wkend in a metal box without food/water? cant large plastic water feeders be placed in the boxes? I understand the food /pest issues, but no water? At least make it tolerable. Please. THese are creatures who have done nothing wrong,but been neglected. Lets do the right thing for those who can not speak. Remember it starts with us- spay /neuter. Not responsible? Get a pet rock. P.S. Hey Kings co, Why cant we have a nicer AC facility? Perhaps a few thousand $$ less
spent on main street palm tree's? THank you for the folks at AC who do care, and will do the right thing. Readers...Volunteer and make a difference
both at SPCA and AC. It changes things. "

Sad wrote on Apr 7, 2008 6:56 PM:

" We care more about some unwanted animals than humans. All the while we turn a blind eye to all the Teenage Baby Factories in the Valley. I think stopping teenage pregnacy should be a top Priority. Not worrying if some mangy stray mutt or cat got put in a drop box! "

This story is sooo one-sided, just like the photo displayed is one-sided as a visual-aide. wrote on Apr 8, 2008 12:07 AM:

" How come the photographer didn't take an opposite side photo/the open air chain-link doors on the other side?

Did you mention that these animals don't stay in the cubby holes indefinately.They are removed the very next day during open hours of operation and that the animals are given water as food a.s.a.p. after they are reviewed and examined for any visiable physical or medical problems.

The kennel boxes are sure alot safer than allowing the lost and abandoned ferule cats or uncontrollable dogs in search of mate during season to run rapid and wild on busy streets and country roads where cars are at speeds of 60MPH or more.

This temporary facility at the pound is a start for many families to be reunited with their escaped animal and a clearing house for animals who may get a home eventually...but the majority will not be so fortunate.

So, YOU "so-called"animal-lovers of Kings County...stop blowing smoke up the public's a** about how inhumane these drop-boxes APPEAR to be, unless you are ALL signing-up to make a place in your own homes for the daily LOST & UNWANTED animals being brought in! "

Shakes My Head wrote on Apr 8, 2008 8:15 AM:

" I dont condone any type of animal abuse and am defintly not a tree hugger or whatever I Have My Dogs that I treat as my family and the truth of the matter is the dog boxes should be out the independant study says they are inhumane and recommended they be gone so lets do the right thing and as far as the spay and neuter subject I dont see the logic behind every time the words dog and cat are used their is always a wise person who says fix your pet listen bob the price is wrong everytime i go to the store i always get stuck behind a women and her kids and then the same ole events take place can i buy this with my wic voucher that is a rampant virus running lose all of these poor family that cant hold down real jobs and even work here legally but they have three,four kids my taxes pay for them the roads are garbage the schools under budget restrictions and cutbacks but we can pay for these no working women to have kids just as long as we pay for the welfare families "

Joe Johnson wrote on Apr 8, 2008 11:18 AM:

" The photographer, who also happens to be me, took SEVERAL photos of the drop boxes from a variety of different angles. That's just the one that was chosen to run with the article. Why didn't we take pictures of the back? Because the entire purpose of this article, as stated previously, was to give our bloggers a general description of what they would see if they drove out to Animal Control on their own. "

BJMallory wrote on Apr 8, 2008 12:01 PM:

" Shakes My Head, I have a question. When you shake your head, does stuff fall out?

You are saying why spay and neuter pets since we can't order people to be sterilized? What kind of logic is that? We have people abusing the welfare system so let's allow our pets, as well as strays, procreate until they drop? I had to stand a little longer than I liked in the grocery store line today because someone used a WIC voucher in front of me so we might as well not do something about dog and cat overpopulation?

Stop shaking your head, you're brusing your brain. "

Mag wrote on Apr 8, 2008 1:14 PM:

" Why is it so many Hanfordites didn’t know what the boxes looked like? Does no one license their dog? I have been to the shelter many times to look, to adopt, and to license my dogs. It’s not a bad place, really. It’s not their fault that so many dorks let their animals breed uncontrolled and let the shelter end up with the results. I would rather not see lockers like this, but Kings County is not the only place in the world with something like this. The SPCA doesn’t have drop boxes. They get to find animals tied to their fence or lobbed over their fence. Did Joe get to ask at the shelter how often the boxes are checked over the weekend? I know they have people in there cleaning and feeding the animals on the weekends. "

The Oracle Says... wrote on Apr 8, 2008 5:22 PM:

" ...If I capture a Snowy Plover, will it be able to escape through one of those holes? You know they are sneaky birds and very afraid of kites that fly in the sky, piloted by little children. How about a Kangaroo Rat? They are afraid of land owning farmers tractors. What about fish? If I snare a delta smelt, how do I deposit it in the box? Would we have to divert more farmer water to Animal Control to save it? Then there is the desert tortoise. Cant scare it with evil motorcycle sounds, lest it wet itself and lose its water holding capability. Man, these boxes are going to be expensive if all inclusive. "

You Should Care wrote on Apr 9, 2008 8:49 AM:

" If we care so much about the inhumane treatment of animals in drop boxes then why not care enough about the animals being treated very poorly at the flea markets? Every time I go the treatment and the way these animals are handled is getting worse and worse. I see many animals in crowded cages, covered in feces, and I see many animals in the sun, no food or water and it has to be one of the worst places and yet every weekend this goes on. Yes the drop boxes are bad but I think with some minor modifications for the summer and winter times, these can be very useful, compared to what I saw at the flea markets those put in drop boxes have it much better. "

To: You Should Care wrote on Apr 9, 2008 3:06 PM:

" You're right! We should all care. Regulation of the flea markets also falls under Animal Control- yet another example of them not doing their job. If they can't be expected to enforce/follow laws at their own facility, why expect them to do it in the community? When, if ever, has a case of animal cruelty been prosecuted? One of the animal control officers was telling me about how they rescued a pit puppy a couple years ago who had been eating his dead companions who died of starvation. It never even crossed her mind to prosecute this as a case of animal cruelty! If the very people we hire to do the job, don't do it . . . then what? That's what this lawsuit against them is all about- it's the only thing you can do to try to force them to follow the law and do their job. "

START CARING wrote on Apr 9, 2008 4:24 PM:

" "Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for the survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet" - Albert Einstein "You can judge a society by the way it treats its animals" - Gandhi "I care not much for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it" - Abraham Lincoln "The time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as they now look upon the murder of men" - Leonardo Da Vinci "

Take a Pic wrote on Apr 9, 2008 5:53 PM:

" I think the Sentinel should take a picture of the animals in the drop boxes, hell take a pic of the animals at the flea market and lets see which conditions are worse, like they say a picture is worth a thousand words... "

whitey wrote on Apr 10, 2008 9:27 AM:

" i agree 100 percent with BJMallory. you are very smart. you rock. "

Sick n Tired wrote on Apr 10, 2008 9:34 AM:

" Though it is true that having pets (yes I said pets) spayed and neutered will help, it will not stop the people that purchase a pet (I said it again) and then find that they can't handle it or judt get tired of it and just let it go. Would all of you feel gooder's prefer to see the animal starve to death, hit by a car or euthanized in a tube of water or black plastic bag? I thought not. The boxes are the best option however; All of you feel gooder's could set up camp every Friday night and stay through the weekend and rescue all the animals that you would like. Problem solved! "

dennymiller wrote on Apr 10, 2008 2:25 PM:

" dear hanford citizen...

who cares about the drop boxes? I am neither a pot smoker or a san fanciscain, or tree hugger...and I CARE ABOUT THE DROP BOXES. I do feel good--pretty much all the time and I am a democrat...a minority in Hanford. You would much rather be a true hanford person than an educated open minded san fransciscian. SAD...I am sure you put bush in office ...well enjoy the mess he and darth vador have made...THEY WILL BE GONE SOON...OBAMA will fix everythiong. Of course I am sure you don't like african americans either... "

Sick n Tired wrote on Apr 10, 2008 10:10 PM:

" I would like to address Mr. Miller. I do not understand why you felt compeled to bring your RACE into this issue. I do not recall anyone metioning RACE in any of the blogs previously. So when did RACE became the issue here? It seems to me that just when this RACE issue starts to heal and people are coming toghter you or someone like you, in your own words "an african-american" plays the RACE card. Mr. Miller, as far as I am concerned there are only Americans in this contry. So why is it you feel compled to separate yourself from the rest of us? "

Jack wrote on Apr 10, 2008 10:31 PM:

" I have it on good authority that the appeal was filed today. "

One For The Books wrote on Apr 11, 2008 1:19 AM:

" To Denny Miller I can't believe you really feel deep in your heart that Obama is the answer to all your problems. If he does get elected let's see what he gets done in office even the first entire year. He hasn't had to tangle with Congress not even once. He's gonna find out in a big hurry he may be the man but there are others who make the laws in this country. What support does he bring to the Hill, nothing what does his campaign have a bunch of empty promises for change. The only change if he is elected is that he will move ito the White House and George Bush will move out. Talk to me in four years, I'll accept your apology then. One man cannot change the entire workings of the Congress and the Senate, that has been proven time and again. He is gonna try and pull out of Iraq too quick and he will find he will be recalling National Guard Units for more service in Iraq, because any untimely withdrawal will be devistating. We have not heard the las from alQaida. "

Just a thought wrote on Apr 11, 2008 7:11 AM:

" if we were to design our prison systems in this manner..we might actually "rehabilitate the criminals" they actually might not want to go back to prison!!!!!! "

ONE FOR THE BOOKS AND SICK AND TIRED.. wrote on Apr 11, 2008 9:54 AM:

" FIRST SICK AND TIRed

Actually I do feel that OBAMA can better address the problems of this country better than the current admin. I am sure he can get more done than BUSH....and by the way...how much experience did BUSH have with congress...Empty promises that is what we have lived with for the last 8 years...One man can change the workings of Washington if his passionate about what this country needs. So negative you are HOPE is all we have and the answer certainly isn't Hillary or McCain. They are the true politicians that have only their power and personnel gains in mind. You will owe me an apology in2years../

"

Sick n Tired wrote on Apr 11, 2008 11:42 AM:

" I did not post nor was I any part of the blog posted at 11:54 a.m. on April 11, 2008. The posting states: "One for the books and Sick n Tired wrote" I do believe that the issue here still remains to be the "drop boxes" and not a political or racial one. "

DL wrote on Apr 11, 2008 12:12 PM:

" If chickens could fetch a stick would we fawn all over them too? How come we pick and choose which animals should be treated like quasi-people based on whether they can be taught not to poop in the house? I cannot be outraged that dogs and cats don't have the best facilities 3 days before they are put to sleep when I have no problem with worse conditions for chickens, cows, and goats, and turkeys. You are all projecting too much on to these animals. I think it comes from the trend of childless yuppies pretending that their dogs are their "babies." "

denny wrote on Apr 11, 2008 3:11 PM:

" sick an tired...

you are really hung up on this race issue...I find that odd... "

All For It wrote on Apr 11, 2008 5:11 PM:

" DL your comment may be somewhat justified. Goats are neat pets I had three when I grew up on the farm. But the chickens is just too fowl a comparison for me to grasp. Although I have to admit I never plucked a dog and tried to eat it. Animals are abused when their owners don't care enough to take them to the vet and have them spayed or neutered. They continue the abuse when allowed to have litter after litter taken away from them and dropped off at the SPCA or Animal Shelter. So once we get a handle on those abuses then we can move on to the boxes placed to put them in. "

The Oracle says.... wrote on Apr 12, 2008 10:47 AM:

" Since we are off tpic....OBAMA??? This guys warts are just now starting to shine. 20 yr association with a racist, anti semitic pastor, but he didnt "know" anything about it?? Yeah right, thats why his wife has made the statements she has, "First time I have ever been proud of my country", "We need more white people up here," et al. Then there is his association with the weather underground terrorist, who bombed the pentagon and NYPD. Obama is "friendly" with him so says the Obama spokesman. You gotta a be kidding me that we would even THINK about putting a person like this in office. Then there is his latest slander of hard working people while speaking to the bay area ilk, saying "they" need to lean on guns, God, racism, et al to blame someone for their problems. I HATE Hillary, but this guy really bothers me, and nobody, repeat nobody will dig into his background. Its just OBAMA, OBAMA, like a rock star. Better wake up people or we are all gonna be sorry (or worse) "

To DL wrote on Apr 12, 2008 11:38 AM:

" I am one of those childless yuppies that considers my pets children. It's none of your business. They eat what I do and sometimes even better, but that's my world. I adopt from the shelter and SPCA, and they are great animals. er, kids. "

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