Working bunnies
The caption of a recent Adopt-a-Pet centerfold (Salt Lake County Animal Services advertisement, July 9) suggests that when we're next in the mood to bring a bouncy, baby rabbit into our home we adopt one rather than buy one from a breeder.
Capital idea! Here's another. Animal Services could donate the bunnies it receives to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources in the name of their former owners. The bunnies would be used to help prevent livestock losses due to predation by coyotes. We could call the program Bunnies in the Front Line or Save a Coyote. Save a Coyote is a win for everybody.
Pet owners who can't bear to see their bunnies neutered win by getting a free tax deduction for their carelessness. Animal Services wins by taking bundles of bunnies off the hands of frantic owners who underestimate the bunny sex drive. Wildlife resources wins by looking like it cares for the welfare of wildlife. And ranchers win by getting thousands of MREs for coyotes. Sheep may safely graze, and cows can chew their cuds in confidence thanks to the self-sacrifice of our furry little friends. If Save a Coyote is successful, as I predict it will be, the state may decide to launch similar programs for other forms of surplus population.
Edwin Firmage, Jr.
Salt Lake City
http://www.sltrib.com/2003/Jul/07112003/public_f/74298.asp
The caption of a recent Adopt-a-Pet centerfold (Salt Lake County Animal Services advertisement, July 9) suggests that when we're next in the mood to bring a bouncy, baby rabbit into our home we adopt one rather than buy one from a breeder.
Capital idea! Here's another. Animal Services could donate the bunnies it receives to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources in the name of their former owners. The bunnies would be used to help prevent livestock losses due to predation by coyotes. We could call the program Bunnies in the Front Line or Save a Coyote. Save a Coyote is a win for everybody.
Pet owners who can't bear to see their bunnies neutered win by getting a free tax deduction for their carelessness. Animal Services wins by taking bundles of bunnies off the hands of frantic owners who underestimate the bunny sex drive. Wildlife resources wins by looking like it cares for the welfare of wildlife. And ranchers win by getting thousands of MREs for coyotes. Sheep may safely graze, and cows can chew their cuds in confidence thanks to the self-sacrifice of our furry little friends. If Save a Coyote is successful, as I predict it will be, the state may decide to launch similar programs for other forms of surplus population.
Edwin Firmage, Jr.
Salt Lake City
http://www.sltrib.com/2003/Jul/07112003/public_f/74298.asp
