ABUSE: By all means, do something

In response to Jane Robertson’s letter (ABUSE: Please, don’t look the other way. Sept. 13). My mother taught me to speak up when I see something wrong. Don’t wait for someone else to do it. Don’t ignore it. Ms. Robertson obviously has similar principles but she needs to go a step further. She describes an animal abuser as beating, choking (with a collar), kicking dogs in a public park. She tries to read the license plate on the truck before the abuser drives away but she can’t. Too bad she didn’t enlist the aid of someone else who was witnessing the abuse who may have been able to help her write down the license plate number. Also, calling the authorities, preferably in view of the abuser and/or other witnesses, may have helped stop the situation. Just appearing to look as though a call is being made might help too. If this man abuses his dogs in public, think what he does in private. He must be stopped.

This summer I became aware of two small dogs that are at best being neglected, at worst being abused. I documented the days I hear them in distress and took that info to my police station along with the address where they live. I was told that several of my neighbors have called in complaints about this situation. One man, my next-door neighbor, has called daily. I was told that none of the callers were willing to come to the police station and sign an official complaint. Thus, the process to stop these people from abusing their pets cannot move forward.

I signed a complaint. I also agreed to come to court as that would be the next step if the abuse continued. I am willing to do what is necessary to stop these offenders. There are processes in place to help citizens do the right thing. You have to put your money where your mouth is, stop complaining and do something.

ROBERTA GARNER

Eugene, Ore.