Aghast at extermination

Jul 15 2008 by Our Correspondent, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

I AM aghast at the fickle and cavalier attitude of the Kirklees Council decision to exterminate a healthy dog. The council had an expert’s opinion that this healthy dog was not feral. He was a stray, fending for himself, therefore obviously intelligent.

Val Hosegood, who runs Halfway Home, said this stray had shown no aggression and everyone in the pound said he was a nice dog. Halfway Home offered to take him and put him with a professional behaviourist. This offer was compassionate and commendable and I admire Halfway Home very much.

Kirklees disregarded the expert’s opinion and exterminated this beautiful and healthy dog. What qualifications do dog wardens have for making the ultimate decision? Are they behaviourists? Are they dog experts?

A little more thought and compassion when the stray dog was found sleeping in the garden might have continued with this little fellow being gifted with a happy, deserved future. I wonder what he had already experienced in his sad life.

To care for a human or an animal and to preserve the sanctity of life is the ultimate aspiration of any thinking being. More thought is needed. Dog wardens need further training and Kirklees Council should hang its head in shame. We need a thorough review and a detailed explanation. This should never happen again.This behaviour is so shocking, it is sub-human.The wonderful work of rescue groups should be given whatever amount of time it takes to assess and save stray dogs. They are the carers and experts. The Dogs Trust, of whom I am a member, never destroys a healthy dog.

Kaye V Stewart

Upper Cumberworth