Flippant attitude towards animals in need
I was shocked and disgusted by Coun. Larry Nundal's flippant attitude regarding the plight of abandoned and abused cats and dogs in Mission.
"It's not our issue…," he said. Well, it most certainly is! He implies that taking responsibility for the city's animals should be swept under the rug in order to deal with "more important issues."
The Fraser Valley Humane Society is the only shelter for abandoned cats in Mission and has been struggling for years on a tiny budget. They often deal with such horrendous cases of abuse and neglect it would make any moral person sick to their stomach. Before the society was established there was no place for these animals to go.
Does Coun. Nundal seriously believe that we should return to those barbaric days? This is 2013, and many growing cities have incorporated ethical animal care services into their budget. Langley is a good example of how this can work well.
How is city council going to deal with the repercussions if the FVHS is forced to close? Shall people bring their boxes of abandoned kittens to city hall? Make no mistake, this issue will have to be dealt with, whether Coun. Nundal likes it or not. Research has shown time and again that human well-being is enriched by its long association with pets. For many people, their pets are the only reason to carry on – this is especially true for those in need. Many homeless people have pets, and the FVHS has helped them care for their pets in many ways.
Perhaps Coun. Nundal does not care for animals himself, but he should understand that many Mission taxpayers and voters do and they will be watching very closely how he and council deal with this emergency situation.
I urge all residents of Mission to contact their elected members of city council and let your voice be heard, because animals can't speak for themselves. Do it today, time is running out.
Cathy Hamm
Mission