Abandoned animals are a problem

There is an ongoing and ever-growing problem in Cheney. At the end of each spring quarter at EWU, when students leave Cheney to return home, abandoned pets are left to fend for themselves. Evidently, the students believe these animals are well-suited for this type of life.

These animals will starve to death unless a well-meaning citizen feeds them, spays them, de-worms them and vaccinates them. Who can afford to do all those things?

These abandoned female animals soon become pregnant and litters are born which are impossible to handle. SCRAPS will pick up a trapped animal but will euthanize every feral cat. The Humane Society will also euthanize any animal it cannot handle. Also, if they have an overflow of cats, they will not accept them.

At this time, I am feeding two abandoned mature male cats (intact), two abandoned nursing mothers and three kittens. Yesterday a Chihuahua was dumped on my street. It was shaking and frightened. A couple who happened to be driving by stopped and took the little dog.

The veterinarians in Cheney will spay and neuter for $85-$150 each. Why is there not a safe and inexpensive neutering program in Cheney?

Dixie Heyer

Cheney