By Melinda Young?letters to the editor
In some situations there seems to be a lack of information regarding ordinances relating to canines. This may clear up any confusion. The following is for outside dogs:
1) Spaying or neutering your dogs is mandatory. If you do not comply with the law you face hefty fines. There are organizations that help defray these costs for income qualifying people, i.e. Animal Coalition of Lake County ? located in Clearlake at the store From Me to You and SPCA in Lower Lake.
2) You may not tie/chain/tether your dog to a stationary object. You must have it on a run, which allows it ample room to move about.
3) Which also ties in with No. 2; if your dog is on a run be certain that it can access adequate shelter. (Remember that you like shade in the summer and a dry place in the winter, so does your dog)
4) A continual supply of water is the law. Regular feeding is also required.
5) Animal mistreatment, abuse and, or neglect is a crime. Dogs are pack animals and love nothing more than to be with the family. It is a proven fact that families that allow animals to cohabitate with them are healthier, it teaches children to be kind and they are just a loving addition to any home. Remember, there are rescue organizations that will help you to modify behaviors in your pets or even to help find loving homes for animals that you are unable to provide the above for. Animals cannot speak for themselves so lets do it for them.
Melinda Young
Clearlake
