Letter to the Editor: Consider Carefully Before Adopting Pets

To the Editor:

Anyone who is a news consumer and observer of society knows that there are individuals who are unable to care for a hamster, let alone a child, those who subject their offspring to various forms of abuse and neglect.

During a miserably hot and humid summer like the one we are currently experiencing in Western Pennsylvania, dog abusers become known to us through their lack of common sense and decency as their pets are found outside during the day, tormented by searing heat without benefit of shelter, shade or water.

We are known by how we treat the least among us. Defenseless and vulnerable children and pets fall into that category.

Why must individuals who have no concept of how to care for the defenseless and vulnerable become parents and pet owners?

Those who would inflict harm on children and pets intentionally or through indifference and stupidity are menaces to society. I wish there were a means to effectively prevent the atrocities they commit from occurring rather than reacting when it is too late.

Please do not get a dog if you have no idea of its needs and how to provide for them, and if you are not prepared to provide it a home inside yours, protected from the elements.

Oren Spiegler
Upper St. Clair