Pets should be sterilized

Dear Editor,

[Last spring], a momma cat along with her kittens had taken up residence in my friend's backyard. We tried with some success (and some failed attempts) to humanely "trap" them so we could get them off the street. My son and I have spent our summer taking care of these babies with the help of an animal rescue group.

My son and I are hoping it may do some good to continue spreading the word that if someone wants to be a pet owner, they should be responsible. This means, please spay or neuter your pet. If all of us did, there'd be a lot less need for all these shelters and rescue groups.

Dumping an animal that has been a pet is cruel and inhumane. That animal becomes scared, confused and sadly has a really tough time finding comfort. Please don't think "someone" will take care of them. If you decided to become a pet owner, that someone should be you.

Mary Dreyer

Midlothian