The City Manager of Ferris, Texas has instituted a new policy. A nasty thing gunning down stray dogs in the street.
January 2, 2009 : 6:53 PM
Ferris, TX authorizes the use of shotguns to kill feral canines
If someone were to tell you that your local police department was given authorization to shoot dogs in town, undoubtedly you would question such actions, both for the lack of safety and compassion. However, that is what recently happened in Ferris, Texas, after City Manager David Chavez handed down a policy which would permit officers kill feral dogs utilizing shotguns.
Chavez claims that their town has become a dumping ground for unwanted pets. Approximately one stray dog is found daily, with many more feral dogs evading capture by the town’s one Animal Control Officer. The Ferris Police Chief, Frank Mooney, additionally noted that the policy was instituted for public safety.
Not surprisingly, animal welfare advocates are horrified at the city’s decision and encourage other humane methods such as trapping or punitive measure for those people found to be dumping animals.
Animal Connection of Texas board member, Niloofar Asgharian, spoke to the The Dallas Morning News on the topic. She had just returned from a town in Iran, where she met with the mayor about alternatives to the villagers shooting stray dogs. She finds it “unfathomable” that Ferris has authorized a population control method typically utilized only in “Third World countries.”
Fortunately, according to news reports they have not shot any dogs – yet. Let’s make sure it continues that way.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
► Contact Ferris City Manager David Chavez with humane options; such as live trapping of the stray dogs, public education on responsible pet guardianship, and the importance of spaying and neutering of companion animals.
David T Chavez
City Manager
100 Town Plaza
Ferris, TX 75125
Phone: 972-544-2110
If you live in the Ferris area, please consider attending the next City Council meeting (held the first and third Mondays of the month), to speak out against the new policy.
Date: Monday, January 5
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: City Hall
100 Town Plaza
Ferris, Texas
► Help give them the incentive to choose humane options by supporting their local shelter. If you are looking for a companion animal, please consider adopting from City of Ferris Animal Control.
For more information:
• Policy allows killing of wild dogs in N. Texas town
• Wild dog shooting policy in Ferris draws criticism
• New Policy Allows Ferris Cops To Shoot Feral Dogs
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