[Moneyguy1]

I have, over they years, made my home the home of many animals. However, I have become confused since my neighborhood has more animals with lousy owners than it really needs. Night after night I hear dogs wailing to get in with the rest of their "pack" and regardless of the weather. Since we have a few months of really hot and dry weather, some of these animals are left out all day while Mr.and Mrs. Animalover go off tho work, the animal left with only water and in some instances little or no shade. Contacting the local Animal Shelters gets me nowhere. It seems once the animals are placed, there is no follow-up to see they are well taken care of. Is this the case in other areas?

And, practically every day we see pleas on TV for people to adopt animals, and the situation gets worse. The Police have beter things to do than chase down stray dogs and investigate the occasional "anti-social" (read abused and neglected) animals. We have no Animal Control activity with "teeth", and when a situation arises, the citizen is advised to try "diplomacy" with the offending owner. Some day, someone is going to get shot, either by a neighbor who has put up with 24/7 howling or in defense of their "pet" who can do no wrong.

If one is ok'd to adopt an animal, the shelter should schedule a follow-up to assure the animal is well taken care of, and not just a trophy.

The true "bleeding hearts" are those who turn a blind eye once the animal is placed, with little or no thought for the animal's long-term welfare. Make sure your neighbor's animals are not abused. CHeck on them as you would on an elderly neighbor and report abuse where found.