As appeared in the Albuquerque Journal Rio Rancho section 1/30/10
Change is never easy. Mix that with a passionate subject like animals, and you get a nuclear bomb.
The Rio Rancho Animal Welfare Task Force has spent 18 months working on a proposal to improve the lives of animals in our city. I hear there are many suggestions on the proposal that are sure to create some uproar, and one in particular takes on pet stores.
In this town, that means Rio Rancho Pets and Critters Pets. No dog or cat sales allowed. Pet stores can still sell rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, fish and such, just not Fido or Fluffy.
Mike Davis, vice chairman of the Rio Rancho Animal Welfare Task Force, reminds us there are plenty of pet stores in Albuquerque that have survived on not selling dogs and cats since the HEART (Humane and Ethical Animal Rules and Treatment) ordinance went into effect in 2006. And that the new changes, if any, may not happen soon or ever.
"Our proposal sets strong guidelines on how your pets should be treated," Davis said, referring to microchipping and sterilizing, among other things. "It will probably be a yearlong process, and we put in a timeline that allows store owners plenty of time to comply."
Keep in mind, like all task forces the city assembles, proposals are just that: proposals. They are well thought out suggestions that the mayor and city council consider taking action on.
Eric Newsome has owned Rio Rancho Pets for just five years and wants to keep his pet store for at least another five years.
"I quit my job at Intel because I enjoy this," Newsome said. "Like Critters and me, if we don't sell dogs and cats, we won't make it."
More than ever before, people have become aware of the need to take care of abandoned, abused and homeless pets, and that is music to Sophia DiClemente's ears. The owner of Watermelon Mountain Ranch said there is a way for rescues and pet supply stores to partner together and help everyone involved.
"I know many rescue groups would welcome the opportunity to hold adoptions of their rescued dogs and cats at the pet stores in Rio Rancho," she said.
Rescue groups like PACA and Watermelon Mountain Ranch hold dog and cat adoptions at the PetSmart store on Coors inside and out. In fact, the PetSmart store on Eubank Boulevard is getting ready to open a brand new permanent dog adoption center inside the store. Watermelon Mountain Ranch is the lead organization that will make available up to 18 dogs and puppies full time in the new facility.
"We are so excited," DiClemente said. "I think the pet stores in Rio Rancho would benefit greatly by teaming up with rescue groups. What goodwill it would be for the community."
When one door closes, another opens.
Quote of the week: "Think of what you're saying. You can get it wrong and still you think that it's all right. Think of what I'm saying. We can work it out and get it straight, or say goodnight." — the Beatles
No comments:
Post a Comment