Dear Editor,
Please allow me a little space in your newspaper to publish the following article which I think will bring about some awareness to those people who like to have domestic animals around them.
I am a resident of Belvedere, and have been for some years now, but I notice the practice of some neighbors who have dogs in their yards of not taking care of their animal. They ignore their dog on a daily basis, not bothering to give it some food or even some water. Personally to me, this is abuse to the poor innocent animals.
Others just think it's a good idea to let their dogs wander, maybe in search of scraps of food or rummage through the garbage bins. Some of these dogs are really bad dogs. Some German shepherds, bulldogs and some just local backyard dogs can be seen on a daily basis just roaming the streets and barking at passersby in a very fierce manner ready to attack.
There is this next door neighbor who owns a bulldog, but neglects to look after it. He leaves the dog's poop in the yard for days and weeks at a time, where the dog is tied up. One can imagine the stench around the area, not to mention the big blue flies that it attracts. This is not healthy for the tenants who live around the area. Numerous complaints were made to the SMHDF but up to this time seems like nothing has been done to remedy the situation. Those who live nearby cannot open their doors or windows due to this situation, especially when cooking.
This article is not to bash anyone who have dogs, because I am an animal lover myself. There is an old saying that a dog is man’s best friend, but that is not any way to treat a “best friend”. These situations must be rectified. If I am not mistaken, I think in the contracts of the SMHDF, there is a clause which states "No Dogs Allowed"
So we are appealing to the management of the SMHDF to please address these situations as soon as possible. We, the residents have a right to walk or stroll through our area without having a fear of being chased by a pack of ferocious dogs or stepping in dog's poop.
No, these are not stray dogs, I am sure their owners live somewhere around. If by chance some are strays, then the Animal Welfare should be called to take care of them.
Seems like right now there are more dogs than residents, due to the fact some families think it's fun to have like 4 or 5 in a small space. This is also abuse to the animals, not having enough space to move around.
We have to be kind to the animals and by all means try our best to take care of them, seeing that they are unable to take care of themselves. If this turns out to be too difficult a task for you, then leave the dogs alone, for in this housing complex there is a rule no dogs are allowed.
Thank you very much,
A concerned resident of Belvedere
Name withheld at author's request.
