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SAVE-A-PET Chris Halvorson, President P.O. Box 114 Newfane, NY 14108 (716) 625-9420
Some organizations, although their primary goals are not concerned with the preservation of the natural environment or wildlife as such, nevertheless make significant contributions to wildlife. Groups such as the SPCA and SAVE-A-PET encourage the spaying and neutering of cats and dogs, and work to control strays and abandoned pets. In many instances, animals would otherwise be free to roam in natural habitat where the injury and death of wildlife has been well documented. Damage is particularly heavy during the nesting season and when young wild creatures are learning to fend for themselves.
Save-A-Pet is a nonprofit organization of active members and supporting volunteers and contributors. Our goal is finding good homes for stray or unwanted cats and dogs. Pets awaiting adoption are sheltered in the homes of our volunteers. We do not euthanize healthy, adoptable pets — they remain in our foster care until adopted, however long that may take. Save-A-Pet was incorporated in 1977 and is funded by tax-deductible contributions and money raised through our fund-raising activities. In addition to working to provide good homes for dogs and cats in need, we also work to educate the public on responsible pet ownership. One of our main goals is to promote the spaying/neutering of all pets, which would reduce the population of unwanted pets. Unwanted pets are often abandoned and become "strays" who not only live in peril, but also have a negative impact on the environment. Responsible pet ownership also means that pets are not allowed the opportunity to interact at will with wild animals. We urge owners to provide adequate exercise and space for their dogs through the use of fenced yards or on-leash walks. We urge cat-owners to maximize the life span and health of their pets by keeping the cats in the house. While these points are important for the safety of the dog or cat, they also protect the wider environment. Free-roaming dogs, whether individuals or in packs, will forage in garbage or prey on farm animals or wildlife for sport or in order to survive. Feral cats, whether as individuals or in colonies, carry diseases that can affect humans and/or other domestic animals or wildlife. In addition, roaming cats will be hunters, which will negatively affect some wildlife populations. Save-A-Pet also encourages political action on issues such as more local government provisions for stray cat care (many communities have "dog catchers" or someone who can pick up injured dogs in hit-and-run incidents, but no provisions at all to deal with stray or injured unowned cats). We have also joined efforts to lobby for stricter animal abuse laws.
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