Pets! Did you know...

Puppy mills, “property” and $$$ by Michelle Ryan

Last month there was a case of animal abuse in Peotone where a tip led to about 50 puppies living in cages piled on top of each other, soaked in urine and feces. The puppies were rescued from the abusive breeder by humane investigators, and Cook County sheriff's police. The puppies' stench was so bad, they had to be shaved, bathed, and shaved again. The puppies had a chance for a new life. Many caring people came forward, opening their hearts and homes, eager to adopt.

The adoptions were withheld because the owner filed a lawsuit claiming the dogs were her 'property', and should be returned to her. The 'property' is worth about $21,000 collectively. To add insult to injury, one of the dogs had a microchip identifying someone other than the breeder, as the owner. Perhaps one dog could be spared, but no. The identified owner was the sister of the abusing breeder, and the dog was believed to be a key victim in the canine prostitution ring.

Instead of the sister being charged as an accomplice of animal abuse, the dog was returned to her, because she was the legal owner of the property. This legal concept of companion animals being defined as 'property', needs to be examined closer. If a neighbor is caught abusing someone else's pet, would the neighbor be charged with animal abuse, or criminal damage to 'property'?

Once upon a time, women were regarded as property, as were black people when they were slaves. We've evolved since then. Historically, an animal shelter could not be recognized as a non profit organization unless it also served children in need of shelter or help. Children and animals have innocence in common, as well as being victims of abuse.

Today, the American Humane Association still exists serving both disadvantaged children and animals. Although animals now have their own shelters, they are still legally regarded as property. We haven't evolved past this yet, and need to. If abused animals get returned to their abusive owners, the legal system is 'enabling' the abuse to perpetuate. It is ethically and morally wrong.

The owner's pending lawsuit is placing a burden on the shelter. The owner should be forced to reimburse the shelter that is providing care including the cost of food, veterinary care, bathing, shaving, and boarding. You can make a donation or adopt a pet at PAWS, 8301 W. 191St. Tinley Park (815) 464-7298.

The rising cost of everything is causing many people to give up their pets. Pets should never be abandoned. Other shelters nearby include Animal Welfare League, 10305 Southwest Highway, Chicago Ridge, (708) 636-8586, and South Suburban Humane Society, 1103 West End Ave. Chicago Heights, (708) 755-7387.