Reader has issues with new Pet Protection Program

Letters

June 30, 2009

letters to the editor

by Bill Lippert, Somerset, Ky. The Commonwealth Journal Tue Jun 30, 2009, 09:34 AM EDT

Dear Editor:

On two occasions during the past couple of months, the CJ has featured stories about the county’s Pet Protection Program (PPP)—a program alleged to assure pet owners that their animals will be identified and returned in the event that they should ever show up at the county animal shelter.

One would think that this is a great program, given that CJ reported on May 3 that “(County Judge Executive) Bullock, County Attorney Bill Thompson and magistrates Tommy Barnett, Kenny Isaacs and Mike Wilson were the first in line to buy the tags for their pets.”

What an endorsement! If two-thirds of the fiscal court and the county attorney are so eager to shell out $20 (per animal), surely the citizens of Pulaski County will catch their enthusiasm and jump on the bandwagon. After all, if the County’s brightest and best see the merit to this program, then we should, too.

But, wait a minute—not so fast! Let’s take a closer look.

The ID tag provided through PPP does one thing—places the pet in a registry at the local animal shelter. It is useful to the shelter, but to no one else. What about a $5 ID tag, with the owner’s phone number? This could be utilized not only by the shelter, but also by anyone else who may find the dog. Then, too, there is a microchip—a chip that is implanted in the dog and provides lifetime identification—for use by animal shelters, veterinarians and individuals throughout the world. This permanent ID is available through the Pulaski County Humane Society for just $10. You can call them at 451-2367 and sign up for a microchip clinic!

So, let’s compare: Do you want a $20 tag that is useful only at the Pulaski County Animal Shelter (and will cost you another $20 every time it gets lost)? Or, would you prefer the more practical $5 tag? Or, do you want permanent lifetime protection with the $10 microchip? Then, too, people who abide by Kentucky Law, and affix a rabies tag to their dog’s collar, have the added benefit of ID that anyone can use, as it contains the vet’s name and phone number, as well as the pet’s unique registration number. And, the tag is included with the rabies shot!

It is true that the County PPP is, in small part, a Pet Protection Program. Primarily, though, it is a fundraiser for county government. PPP more accurately stands for Picking the People’s Pockets. Unless your intention is to subsidize county government, there are far more effective and efficient ways to protect your animals.

Sincerely,

Bill Lippert

Somerset, Ky.

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