The above photograph was taken at the Surry County Public Landfill, graphically drawing people's attention to the plight of unwanted animals who are considered disposable by their owners and too often, like trash, wind up at the landfill. The best efforts of animal control and rescue groups are successful at placing many animals, but not at reducing the number of animals coming into the shelter. The uncontrolled breeding of dogs creates a burden on the county's taxpayers and animal activists, as well as inhumane conditions for many of the animals. Across North Carolina other localities have attempted to address the problem by adopting annual licenses that are more expensive for owners of fertile pets, or by charging owners of unaltered pets a one-time permit fee when the dog is six months old. We urge commissioners to investigate these options and adopt a measure that will help control dog breeding by making it a matter of economics as well as responsible pet ownership.