It was a flyer saying that homeless people shouldn't be allowed to have pets. Detailing that "a person who can't take care of themselves, shouldn't be allowed to take care of an animal".
It gave a number and other information to get cats, dogs, rats, etc off the streets and better homes, saying it was animal abuse to not only let them live with homeless people, but to see them on the streets and not report it.
what are your thoughts on this?
agree/disagree?
4 comments:
Interesting that people are so worried about the non human animals and don't give a shit about the human animals.
I have an idea...get the homeless off the street and into a home and their pets won't be homeless either!
There is also the question of defining "homeless". There are many people that live on the streets because there is no other option for them, but there are tons of others that choose this life style. I doubt the ones that choose ever go hungry or don't find some sort of shelter to sleep under...in extension their pets probably don't go hungry or without shelter either.
Taking pets away from any pet owner is sad. A street person that has not chosen that sort of life, has surely had some rough times and probably greatly benefits from the companionship of a non-human animal. I'm sure they share what little they have with their pets. They love their pets just like people that live in homes do.
Of course, each case must be observed individually. If there is sign of animal neglect by a street person than the animal should be removed to a better home...but this is no different than the common animal neglect that occurs within homes. The only real difference is that we live in an oppressive society that fears anyone that is different and so we resent the homeless...perhaps because we are too selfish to help them.
This question was very resonant with me, because I've actually had to make that decision in a real life situation.
Recently, my two housemates and I found a dog. Really- she found us. We were at Sunny Cove having a bonfire and this beautiful golden retriever with a collar and tags ran up all friendly-like. It was late and we didn't see anyone else on the beach so we took her home. She was spayed, clean and healthy, and incredibly well behaved. Let me just say I strongly dislike most dogs, I could tolerate her and in my case, that is quite rare.
Indeed, she was a fine specimen of her breed and only looked to be about a year old. 'Cali' is what her tag said, so when we got home we called the phone number on it (no address). The man on the other line said, "That's John Nash's dog, he'll turn up" and then hung up.
Creeped out to say the least, we kept her for 3 days and my housemates fed her, bathed her and bought her things that dogs enjoy. On the third day a man called us and left a message, he said he owned her and had been homeless for the past year and loved her very much. Could he please have her back, thanks a lot for rescuing her, etc.
I was ecstatic at a chance to get rid of this uninvited new inhabitant of my house- and I have morals that tend to favor peoples' emotional welfare over most other things- so I suggested we call him back immediately. My housemates, however, went through the whole song and dance about how he was homeless and the dog would have a better life with us.
It was quite a struggle to get them to come round, and during the time I asked anyone who would listen what they would do in my position. Most people said keep it, but that's cause they like dogs I suppose. My dad was the only one who said to give it back, I like my dad...
Bottom line was, I convinced them to give the dog back on the grounds that he said he'd been vagrant for a year, and the dog was well fed and groomed. The lack of inattention to this creature was telling, in my eyes, of the love and care that this man had for his companion. After losing his house, I cannot imagine the strain it would put on Mr. Nash to have his dog taken from him tool. That's the only thing some of these people have left!
Now I'm not advocating vagrancy or vagabondage as I abhor both hobos and hippies- but I will take a moment to pause, for humanities sake, and respect the deep bond one can have with a pet. And I think that as long as a homeless man/woman is providing for their animal to the best of their means, and adequately, it is absolutely cruel and unusual to deny them this small pleasure.
If I was a homeless person and my only companion was a dog, it'd break my heart to have it taken away. Likewise, I'm sure the pet would be rather disturbed by this sudden departure as well. There may be concerns about the welfare of the pet, but I actually think it's a good thing that two creatures in dire circumstances can bond and share a life together.
Some of the homeless that I see downtown with dogs seem to take very good care of their pet. My heart nearly broke as I saw one guy break his sandwich in half and give him some. I wished I could do more for the both of them, but I couldn't. He was giving up half of a meal for his companion even though he was probably starving. It hurts to think of those two being torn apart. There is clearly a relationship there.
Just my opinion of course.
Wow, from schizophrenic college nerd to Nobel Prize winner to subject of an Oscar-winning Ron Howard movie to vagrant with a dog. What a story!
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