Greetings,

My name is Krysti Gardner. I have been a member of the USA since the day I was born, moving from one state to another with my family. During these years, I have noticed the same gruesome situation unfold time and time again: animals being mistreated, abused, neglected, and even dropped off in the middle of the woods to fend for themselves. 

Though there are small shelters in place to help stop this and even greater ones like the Humane Society, it comes down to this. There are NOT enough shelters out there to make a dent in animal overpopulation, especially in smaller towns. 

I often hear the saying, ' that this town treats its members like family,' yet many of us also seem to forget that the animals we take in become part of that family the moment they step foot through your door.

Many people believe that animals do not have feelings, but I beg to differ. I have worked with and alongside animals my entire life and have seen these emotions firsthand. 

I have seen a mother horse go into a fit of depression after losing her newborn foal, refusing to eat or drink, let alone get up and move. I have witnessed a dog yelping in pain for days after being hit by a car and having several bones broken in the process. I have seen animals who have been left alone all day get overjoyed to see their owners when they come home. I have witnessed 'aggressive' animals 'attacking' people simply because they are scared, only to turn into loveable marshmallows once they learn they won't get hurt, and I have witnessed animals being shot to death for going into a trash can to find something to eat, because they were left to fend for themselves, turning them into walking skeletons just barely clinging to life. I have watched an animal be bred to death for the simple greedy purpose of someone wanting money. Against many of your beliefs, animals do have feelings and it is up to ALL of us to make a difference. 

I have witnessed and heard with my own ears people claiming to be animal lovers, but refuse to pay extra taxes to help open a shelter in their overpopulated town because its, 'not their problem', or 'they're not the ones doing it'.

THIS NEEDS TO STOP! For those people, it will become YOUR problem when you have to shoot an animal for getting in your trash, or killing your livestock because they are starving. YOU may not be the ones mistreating animals, but YOU can help make a difference.

We need to put in the time and effort to help our four legged family members who have no one to look out for them. We need to look out for the ones who have been randomly dumped because their family either can't afford to take care of them, or just had a baby and no longer wants them. We need to look after the ones who end up being dumped because their owners moved and couldn't take them with.

I have seen many new business' and buildings being made in small towns such as a water playground for kids to play in. While I believe it is a great idea to give kids that area to enjoy, I also find myself wondering...is that really necessary? Why build something that will only be used during the Spring and Summer months, when we can be using those resources to create something that will help and be used year round during EVERY month and season.

Something needs to be done, more shelters NEED to be put up. Stricter laws and enforcement NEED to be made and enforced, especially for communities living on mountains or country sides. Laws NEED to go into place where breeding is concerned to stop overpopulation when what little shelters we already have are overflowing and animals are dying because of it. Laws like if the animal is pet only, it must be fixed before its rehomed.

If towns, cities, etc cannot come together to make the funds to make a difference, then I implore the state officials, heck even the President himself.

I ask you, please help me in making a difference. PLEASE help me make this world we live in a better place, not just for you but for EVERY creature living on it before it's too late, because for many...it already is.

Thank you.