Animal shelters: kiiliMlioh I " ' i If . -n ' 5; " rti 3i r M "j vn 0? 1 III 1 1 1 f T J :!. uLJ By LYNN BURTON All it takes is a look at the "pets" column in the classified ads to? realize that there's a lot of competition com-petition for the good homes. "Looking for homes for kittens and puppies is a frustrating and sometimes heartbreaking job," says Jan Coe, spayneuter coordinator for Wasatch HumaneHelp Save the Animals. "Companion animal overpopulation has become a -national tragedy." Between 2,000 and 10,000 puppies and kittens are born every hour in the U.S. America's pounds and shelters are forced to kill oyer 13 million dogs and cats each year. The kill figure doesn't Include the countless number of strays that die in traffie, are caught in traps, starve or die of exposure. Individual pet owners, taking steps to prevent the birth of these unwanted animals, is - the-obvious solution.- Those who allow their pets to breed only contribute con-tribute to a chain reaction, displacing displac-ing other animals as they find homes for their Utter. If you end up taking in a stfty, or if you're surprised to find out that Fido is actually Fifi, Wasatch Humane offers some pointers on finding good homes. Advertise animals for sale rather than free. There are very real dangers facing animals that are placed without proper screening or commitment , r- Interview, Ask questions about their previous experience with pets, whetfier or not they have a fenced yard for dogs or if cats will be kept v indoors,' if they have selected a vet- : erinarian, can they afford proper care for the pet, do they understand that adopting a pet can become an eight to 15 year commitment? Inform. Let people know about the reasons for vaccinating and altering companion" animals. The best source of medical advice for pets is your veterinarian. Never abandon a pet. Some people convince themselves that they are giving an animal a "chance." Don't kid yourself. If you can no longer keep an animal, take it to your local animal services or animal control. In Davis Counyr you'll have the option of specifying that the animal not go for research if it is not adopted, but will be humanely euthanized. If you have questions, you can call a veterinarian, the Humane Society of Utah in West Valley City, your local ahimal control facility or Wasatch Humane (295-2936,451-5565). Being a responsible pet owner or finding a good home for an animal might not be cheap or easy or fast, but you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you're part of the solution, not part of the problem. photo by ROGER TUTTLE No injuries were caused by a truck hitting this pole. Unfortunately, Unfor-tunately, Woods Cross Police Officer Brad Benson took ill at the scene and had to be taken to the hospital.