February 28, 2008

Politicos, veterinarians, animal lovers hold rally

A number of people and their dogs joined politicians, veterinarians and officials from animal rescue groups for an hour-and-a-half in front of City Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 26 to call attention to the number of animals surrendered to shelters throughout Santa Clara County. At least 100 people attended the candlelight vigil, many of whom brought their dogs. Others held candles and signs noting the number of unwanted animals and how many of these end up being euthanized because there aren’t enough people to adopt them.

Vice Mayor Dave Cortese and Santa Clara County Supervisor Pete McHugh were among the politicians who spoke. Dr. David Reed, a veterinarian from Bascom Animal Hospital, Heather Betchel of Rabbit Haven and Vivian Kennedy of All Creatures Great and Small, joined them to speak out about the devastating amount of animals surrounded to shelters as well as the increase in feral cats; the costs that cities, counties and states must pay to deal with these unwanted animals; the strain on animal rescue groups in California that partner with local shelters to halt the euthanasia of surrendered animals; and the need for low-cost spay/neuter programs to stop the unnecessary killing of healthy adoptable animals in shelters.