FEBRUARY 25, 2008
The ins and outs of animal rescue
Murfreesboro has organizations for the growing problem, but MTSU does not
By Dawn Johnson
Among all the different organizations at MTSU, there are none dedicated to animal rescue. Some students said they would like to have an organization like this and would consider joining or helping out with such an organization.
Many people love pets and would, perhaps, be willing to volunteer for an organization like this.
Some students say it would be easier if this could be more accessible for them.
"I think we should [have an animal rescue organization on campus] because I know a lot of people that love animals and would definitely get involved," says Morgan White, a senior studying sociology. Students might volunteer if an organization was on campus for them and notified students of any ongoing events.
"Rescuing an animal is only half the battle though," says Joseph Trukovish, a senior liberal studies major. "If you are talking about wild animals, then I think it would be a great idea. To help recover, heal and release animals that have been wounded. [With] domesticated cats and dogs running amok, you have larger issues at hand. Finding homes for pets is difficult.
"There are students out there, I'm sure, that would love to help. It is just a matter of laying out the framework for the organization, creating the objective, and making a mission statement."
Rock 'N Acres Animal Rescue, located in La Vergne, is a no-kill, private-run rescue program.
Founded in 2002, it takes in animals that need a home and help. When space is available, it will take just about any kind of animal, including birds, reptiles, dogs, cats, livestock, horses, farm animals, fowl and rodents.
RNA focuses on saving dogs, cats and other animals that may be euthanized in county pounds or abused and neglected, and those that are running scared in the middle of nowhere.
RNA also take in several "owner surrenders," which is an alternative to placing a pet in a pound.
RNA always need foster homes for their pets. All veterinary expenses are paid, all citizens need to provide is food, water and love. (For more information, visit their Web site at rnapetrescue.com or call 615-406-1793.)
There are many similar organizations in Murfreesboro, but none associated with MTSU.
"I don't know if an organization is needed, but it would be good for an organization already on campus to maybe host an event like this," says Nathan Wallach, a senior video production major. "There are so many organizations out there already for animal rescue; I think that it would be good if someone just asked them to come on campus and host an event. A fraternity or sorority would be good for this, but not just a one time thing, maybe once a month could help collect animals or host an animal drop-off for unwanted pets."
Spaying and neutering your pets, most shelters would agree, is very necessary. Animal shelters have pets coming in daily, this helps to discourage mating and the over-crowding of shelters.
Spaying and neutering also helps your pet live longer and healthier. According to the American Humane Association, spaying eliminates the constant crying and nervous pacing that is a sign that a cat is in heat.
Castration stops the mating drive in males, reducing the urge to roam, which, in turn, reduces the risk of fights, injury, poisoning, accidents and contracting diseases. If you have more than one pet in your household, all the pets will get along better if they are neutered.
Even if you do not own a pet, all of us are effected by animal overpopulation. Tax dollars are spent to round up lost, abandoned and unwanted pets. And when homes cannot be found, tax dollars may be spent to euthanize these animals.
Health issues such as transmittable diseases- including rabies, animal bites, and attacks-are other problems non-pet owners may face. Animal waste and property damage are among some problems people may experience.
According to Tennessee law, if the dog or cat being adopted has not been spayed or neutered, the agency "shall require a deposit of not less than $25 from the new owner prior to the adoption in order to ensure that the dog or cat is spayed or neutered." Usually these shelters will require more money to go towards shots and other necessities.
Animal cruelty and neglect is another reason so many animals end up in shelters. According to RNA, the definitions of cruelty and neglect encompass a range of behaviors harmful to animals, from neglect to malicious killing. It can range from simple neglect to outright physical violence against an animal.
Animal neglect is the failure to provide an animal with the most basic of requirements of food, water, shelter and veterinary care.
According to AHA, the Tennessee penalty for animal cruelty is considered a "misdemeanor, with a maximum 11 months and 29 days confinement and/or maximum $2,500 fine. The offender also must surrender the animal or all animals. Also, the court may prohibit custody and ownership of animals for a reasonable time."
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