[paleophlatus]

Jennipepsi,

Regarding your assumption that sterilization 'needs' to be done to our pets... it is just that; an assumption. By people who work with animals and have a love of them, and see the discomfort that can come to them as a result of their proclivities to do and act 'like animals'. While the problem that has been created is not strictly of the animals' making, they have been assigned a major role of solving it... with the help of well meaning humans in conjunction with cooperative authorities. This, in this instance, is a shared North American problem. So what is the problem?

= Overproduction... both sides of the border. These animals have been too efficient doing precisely what they were created for. That may not be their role still, but the problem is our making, not theirs. Over the years (millennia?)as we developed them into an integral part of our lives we have removed their natural predators, and are left with the consequences of our action... we are knee deep in their 'productivity', and are not really certain how to deal with it.

Our (Mankinds) program of spay/neuter has not been the answer, but it may be of help in finding the real one. Basically, we may have to reintroduce the effect of natural predators, in some manner acceptable to our 'sensitivities'.

We have, over the generations, created a special place in our lives for pets and in response have developed an industry devoted to caring for their welfare as well as for to those we have lesser affection for, other than their sacrifices for our benefit.

Through the generations past we have 'humanized' all animals. We have created and perpetuated, through our children, an unrealistic and unachievable image of our pets' lives and 'persona'. It is the current level of that perception that keeps us (as a population) from developing a satisfactory solution to the pet overpopulation problem. The solution?

I don't know for sure, but it would seem that it involves a reassessment, and reeducation, of the role of ANIMALS in our personal lives, as well as in the 'general scheme of things'. Until that accomplishment, we will be continually relegated to killing that part of the overpopulation that do not find themselves in 'caring' environments, and preventing all the others from indiscriminate overproduction.

The resort to protection of our rights through legal actions depends on how we regard the role of government and regulation in our lives. Actions taken with regard to an individuals property must be done with legal authority, which comes from the legislative process. It may not be to our liking, but it is permitted as a concession to our respect for the rule of law. Anything outside that frame amounts to creeping usurpation our rights and needs to be checked. For example, you take it upon yourself to spay my dog, (who has found it's way under your control) without proper authority, and you will be taken to task. (Part, apparently, of my childhood indoctrination of pets in my life? plus high school civics class.)

Simple assumption that it is the 'right thing to do', under the circumstances, is insufficient authority regardless of how 'right' it may appear, according to my understanding of authority. And no amount of feeling that all pets should be sterilized is capable of generating that authority, unless a preponderance of legislators can also be convinced.

And in closing, I have a question... how does one determine a dog is 'a few days pregnant'? Sounds like another assumption.