It's not paying for "pets" These are homeless animals, some are rescued from abusive situations. This is not on par w/ welfare. Apples to oranges. Our society should not turn a blind eye. These animals are living creatures who feel pain and never did anything to anyone. They deserve some dignity. The goal is find them loving homes.

This reminds me of the folks who came by my house one day asking for a donation for their church. I told them that I give all that I can to my church and expect that they and their membership should do the same, staying within the budget that the membership contributions can provide.

We all have things we would like to do with our available funds and none of us will probably have the same list or same priorities.

So you folks who are into these unwanted animals plight are free to find other like individuals and use your money wisely for your cause. Don't try to put a guilt trip on other people because they have other priorities.

I graduated kindergarten, I know the "Golden Rule". But where are we going to stop? First we start with paying for pets, then we pay welfare to lazy people that don't want to get a job, then we pay for other country's problems, etc. Where are we going to stop giving out money? I'd much rather never start. If you have an idea, go out and accomplish your dream. But I have my own dreams that I want to see done.

It's funny when I read comments to stories of varying topics. The response " Why should MY tax dollars pay for this?" Where is the human decency? It amazes me that often it is missing. How about we do things that are morally right? Back to Kindergarten logic--you do the right thing because it's the right thing.

All we are asking for is a modern shelter that meets the needs our city has where the animals are in a cleaner, healthier environment.
A new shelter with a professional shelter staff can keep the animals healthier for longer which saves us vet bills on those animals that must be held for court.
We want the shelter to be a better venue to attract prospective adopters who will PAY MONEY to adopt these pets and SAVE YOU the tax dollars to care for, euthanize and dispose of them.
if an animal comes in and never makes it out, YOU PAY FOR IT.
If the animal comes in and get's adopted, THE ADOPTER PAYS FOR IT.

I already responded to your post on the other letter, but I'll respond to this one too since you decided to attack me as a person instead of the issue. Like Phrog said, this is an animal welfare program. You don't need to call me "heartless" and "mindless" just because you have no valid argument. These are ANIMALS, not humans. Humans have way more value than animals (unless you're one of THOSE people...nevermind, different topic). I like to hunt, you don't want to support my hunting programs do you? And if by some chance you do want to support them, that's fine with me. But I have my own interests just like you have your interests. Just don't force your interests into my wallet.

Animal welfare? Is this a new government entitlement program that my tax dollars are being wasted on?
Yes, you can call me cruel. Yes, you can call me heartless. But, I see no purpose in wasting time, energy, and money on animals that no one wants. My tax dollars are already wasted on humans that serve no other purpose than to occupy space and exhale carbon dioxide. I don’t think we need to add to our global warming dilemma by giving animals “rights” or giving any notion that they do have “rights”. Give them 4 weeks to be claimed. If they aren’t claimed, to the chamber they go.

Yes, isn't it sad when there are rights bestowed on those who aren't "worthy"? Like the fact that heartless and mindless people have the right to free speech?

Since when did animals have the "right to be fed well..."? I was unaware that we had voted on a bill of rights for animals. How did animals survive before humans started keeping them as pets? I think they'll find a way.