In farm country, an old-fashioned notion persists about the disposability of pets — that they are only animals, and we are to treat them as such. It stems partly from the Biblical instruction in Genesis that “man has dominion over” animals and creatures.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem recently amplified this notion when she “disposed of” a hunting dog that wasn’t working for her.
In Luverne we saw it happen to a cat that turned up in a backyard rabbit trap and was dumped off on a country roadside.
In old-fashioned farm country, this may have once been acceptable, but we’d like to think humankind has evolved to understand not all animals are disposable.
Those who pluck literal interpretations from specific Bible verses might do well to remember that man’s authority over nature comes with a responsibility to care for the earth and its creatures.
It’s clear that Noem holds little regard for her pets, but we do know the family of Charles, the missing orange cat, was devastated during his weeklong absence.
To them, he is much more than a disposable animal. He is a beloved family pet.
He is a companion and comforter, especially for one of his family members who is prone to seizures. In fact, during a seizure last week Charles was especially missed.
While Charles and his family were fortunately reunited after a desperate search, their story can teach us compassion and responsibility and about which options exist when we encounter someone else’s pet on our property.
•Do not dispose of it in the country. Country folk have their own pets and generally aren’t looking for other people’s disposed animals.
•For lack of immediate options, do nothing. If it’s in your trap, simply let it go. The mere scare of being trapped will prevent a return visit.
•Check with your neighbors. It’s likely a neighborhood cat.
•Use social media. If we can post photos of our supper, we can share a post about a pet in our yard. Time and time again we see misplaced pets rehomed after Facebook message sharing.
•Bring the animal to the local veterinarian. Many animals (including Charles) are chipped, and the information can lead quickly to the pet’s owners.
•If all else fails, call the Sheriff’s Office at 507-283-5000. Animal control can retrieve the pet and impound it until the owner is located. (Pet owners are often located).