To the Editor,

Unfortunately almost every dog taken to the Robeson County Animal Shelter is killed immediately — apparently they are coming in the front door and taken directly to the euthanasia room. They do not stand a chance and no one wants to accept responsibility.

As most people know, the shelter has been closed for some time now due to distemper. It seems the buck is being passed. That will never solve anything and our animals will continue being killed due to humans who many times treat our voiceless, helpless animals as nothing more than objects and care not that the animals have feelings the same as humans. I attempted to obtain information as to whether written recommendations had been provided by the vet of record to the RCAS, which is a requirement; I was informed they do not release that information. That would be true if the animals were privately owned but certainly not in this case.

The vet also told me there was a statewide epidemic of distemper; I contacted Raleigh and was informed it is common for this to occur in the spring and summer due to the fact dogs are not being vaccinated for distemper but they would not consider it a statewide epidemic. Owners definitely should make certain their dogs are vaccinated but the employees at the shelter should also make certain they are educating people and having brochures available for the public.

The Health Board and Health director should stipulate it is mandatory when someone adopts an animal they agree to get the shots necessary, along with the spay-neuter requirement. If someone cannot afford to have the animal vaccinated, they do not need to have the animal.

It is not acceptable and it’s past time for this neglect to end, not only by the so-called owners but the employees of the county as well. If they can’t perform their jobs properly, they should be required to find another job. I, as a taxpayer, resent my taxes paying someone’s salary who is not performing their job in the proper manner.

Faith Walker

Lumberton