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Claire Cuthrell

November 16, 2010

Honors English 1103

CG Rothwell

The Study of Homeless Lives within a Humane Society

Perhaps it is the reasons of my childhood, and growing up on my father’s farm that my love for

animals formed. Whatever the reason be, I have always tried to bestow this love for animals onto

others. Ever since I was a little girl, I can remember cats roaming throughout the barn and having a dog

to lie with at night, and to let out for play during the day. My home was never bare of animals; in fact,

pets were a major focal point in each of my family member’s lives. As a child I was much like Dr.

Doolittle, and in balance the animals were my friends. I have no intentions of bragging, but I must add in

that my home was a popular place amongst my friends. As I reflect back upon my childhood, I realize

people I have known or grown to know have shared this same passion for animals. Now one may argue

that this penchant and love for animals is a natural fondness associated with amazement to children,

and that the attraction does not always remain permanent. However, for me this love for animals has

only grown. Personally, love for animals is a quality one must possess in order for me to be able to

connect with them. On the opposite side of all of this, I become sickened when I hear of animal

homelessness or cruelty. It is something my mind cannot seem to even fathom. I believe that it is our

responsibility as humans to provide and become concerned

with these innocent, homeless, lives!

My narrative above is the major reason why I chose to

profile the Human Society of Charlotte.

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When I began my research on the society itself, the first sentence on the organizations website read as

follows, “The Humane Society of Charlotte is working with you to create a world where there are no

more homeless and unwanted animals”(Mission and History). Reflecting on this brief summary, I

thought if this be true, great; however, I want proof. Do humane societies actually work toward

providing benefits for animals and our community?

I contacted Cat Belteau, the volunteer coordinator of the Humane Society of Charlotte for an

interview. I made her aware of what I was researching and its purpose. During our first meeting, her firm

handshake and eye contact skills made it evident to me how passionate she is about her job, and

concerned she is with the animals of our community. She seated me in a holiday decorated

room, which for me only emphasized the lively spirits of the organization. Belteau had me

pause before I began, and returned with a small, black, puppy, chuckling saying she thought she

would bring a friend. After my introduction to the pup, I found it appropriate to began by asking

what traits she finds essential in working within the society. With confidence Belteau deemed

“flexibility, passion, and stress and noise tolerance,” as the essentials. Belteau began with

stating, “The Mecklenburg community tends to bury their heads in the sand about the issues of

our homeless pets. People are unaware of the issue, so it is our job as a humane society to

inform them.” In relation to my belief Belteau makes her point clear, that being concerned for

the health and safety of animals is simply the human thing to do. The Humane Society of

Charlotte itself can facilitate up to 100-120 dogs and 65-75 cats. However, these numbers do

not serve justice compared to the 19,000 animals picked up and the 12,000 of them who

become euthanized (Belteau). “These numbers not only represent the issue we have, but also

why it is important to adopt, so the shelter can continue to have space to provide for these

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pets,” states Belteau. This no-kill humane society provides for these animals with its abundance

of caring services until the animals are given a home. All of this is possible because of the

Society’s staff, vet, and the over 100 volunteers (Belteau). It

became clear to me that society’s such as this one are

necessary because they work toward making the community

aware of the problem, and ways of which we can go about

fixing it. Provided by the help of Cat Belteau, I was able to

visualize that the society’s essentiality of life is indeed in need.

What are the reasons for these homeless lives of these innocent pets?

Amy Green, publisher in People, and the New York Times magazine, digs deep into the realm of

the issue. Green informed to me from her article, the mortgage crisis of low income families.

This human problem has caused innocent animals to suffer; while leaving them on streets,

released into nature, tied up and abandoned in yards (Green). Sadly, I learned this to be true.

Belteau offered that whatever the reason, the truth is, it is just the inhumane acts of our

society. She informed me that when she moved to North Carolina from Crofton, Maryland, she

had never heard of the so called ‘backyard dog.’ She then followed through with stating animal

laws are different all over, and unfortunately our area exhibits weak laws concerning the issue.

Perhaps this is the reason she focused more on suggesting that the outrageous numbers of

homeless animals is contributed by not sterilizing the animal. In comparison, these so called

‘backyard animals’ are obviously unwanted, which should never be the case (Belteau).

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Before my interview, I was not exactly sure how to relate with Belteau on how

sterilization of animals could beneficially impact the issue. Surprisingly, the proof of this act

runs broad. Spaying and neutering pets could decrease the surplus of animals left without a home or

killed. In the United States, each year there are roughly three to four million cats and dogs killed within

animal shelters. Some reasons include the animals being accidentally bred, or simply the incapability of

ownership toward the animals (Spaying and Neutering). All of this results in a devastating suffering for

the animal, or saddening outcome for those like

Belteau at the Humane Society of Charlotte, who tries

to prevent the large numbers of euthanized animals.

Belteau agrees with this information, adding that

67,000 cats and dogs are born a year; which could be

reduced with sterilization. Belteau also contributes that the ratio of the 12,000 euthanized animals is

nowhere near balanced to the 19,000 that are picked up. In the Humane Society of Charlotte, it is

reported that most of the time dogs are more prone to be rescued; 80% of the cats rescued become

euthanized (Belteau). Most of these animals are in healthy and adoptable conditions; however, they

often end up in a shelter or euthanized (Spaying and Neutering). This is concerning for me and is an act I

do not support, because these animals are guilty of nothing. However, unlike some shelters the Humane

Society of Charlotte is a no-kill shelter. Unless the animal is diseased or incapable of living a healthy life,

the animals are allowed to stay until they are adopted (Belteau). Belteau shares that most animals are

adopted, but if there were to be a case where one wasn’t, the humane society would forever remain its

home. Belteau also contributes this being a main reason of the importance of adoption.

According to Belteau, the Humane Society of Charlotte

has a goal of forming a 100% adoptable community for animals.

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The society works in many ways not only looking out for its’ pets, but the individuals who come in to

adopt; assuring them of a happily, healthy friend (Belteau). Belteau says, “Adopt, don’t shop. The more

animals we can adopt out the more animals we can bring in.” It is essential to consider the adoption of

animals instead of buying them, and finding ways in which to prevent the splurge of the animal

population (Spaying and Neutering). The Humane Society of Charlotte also has an on campus

sterilization clinic, promoting the spaying and neutering acts (Mission and History). This

procedure has been widely accepted and implemented by shelters, legislators and animal advocates. So

far, legislation has passed in thirty states to make it a law of sterilizing pets adopted from shelters.

However, these laws are stronger in certain regions. Along with these laws there are affordable

sterilization programs, education and outreach programs, all

formed to be advocates of this act. Interestingly enough when

researching, I ran across the statement that we spend millions

in tax dollars on providing for these homeless animals. With

this act of prevention, costs will be reduced and enable animal

shelters to use their limited space to its’ best extent of the beneficial resource it is (Spaying and

Neutering). Are you concerned yet? Belteau affirms this research, but makes a point in adding that the

Humane Society of Charlotte runs off a non-profitable, charitable institution; meaning the organization

raises their own money.

In the name Humane Society of Charlotte just like any humane society, there is the word human.

In my opinion we humans are responsible for these

creatures. If we go about purchasing or breeding animals

shouldn’t we become concerned? When I came across the

terrifying title of a puppy mill, the inhumane acts that

defined it, followed after. An undercover investigator from

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the Humane Society of the United States dubbed RCW Kennels located in Elk City, Kansas, a classic

example of a puppy mill. Richard Weaver and his wife, who have been operating the mill for 14 years,

refuse to agree with the investigator. The owners claim to love every dog and attentively show good

care. However, what was reported would leave many pondering

what the owner’s so called ‘affection’ actually means. Reported

was the finding of animals forced in hazardous metal cages, and

the smell of urine so strong it burned the nose and eyes of the

investigator. The inhumane people running these mills are only in

it for a profit. Many are oblivious when adopting, because most do not understand that if you buy a

purebred dog it is probably from a puppy mill. The conditions these animals are found in are horrifying.

These animals live in conditions of no heat, air condition, and some no shelter. Bleeding paws and filthy

animals would send organizations like Humane Society of Charlotte hay wire (Inside the Puppy Mills).

Belteau contributes her input by stating she believes a responsible breeder is fine. However, puppy mills

are by far not humane (Belteau). Belteau continues by describing the situation of one the Humane

Society of Charlotte’s own residents. Rescued from a puppy mill, when the dog was put in a much larger,

safer pen than accustomed to, the dog did not know what to do with the space. Belteau described that

she has seen animals in conditions with their teeth falling out and personalities that seem unsociably

incapable. Unfortunately, societies like Belteau’s have no control over rescuing these animals, that is all

under the control of police. She explained that the animals within the society are brought in from

surrender of an owner or by animal care control (Belteau).

I support the Humane Society of Charlotte and its’ staff because it

represent my beliefs. I am a human and I choose to be humane. As discussed

with Belteau, there are signs all around us proving our help is in need. From

the animals lying on the side of the roads, animals roaming the street, and

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shelters overly occupied, we are being called upon for help (Belteau). Arriving at the Humane Society of

Charlotte, the friendly welcoming of the staff and well decorated theme, made me feel right in my

comfort zone. The roaming of cats and dogs of all sizes throughout the building provided me with even

more evidence of an animal friendly atmosphere. Although, I questioned the social status of these

animals, it became evident to me that the workers within the society provided their pets with much

attention. Belteau explained that the organization has programs that work to socialize the animals.

Belteau added, “These cats and dogs are forgiving creatures.”

The Humane Society of Charlotte studies the issues of these homeless animals, provides and

promotes sterilization and adoption. Their organization stands humane against the inhumane puppy

mills (Belteau). I believe that it is our responsibility as humans

to provide and become concerned with these innocent,

homeless, lives of animals! As I walked down the aisles of the

caged cats and dogs, I looked in these animals’ eyes and saw a

need; this need defined as wanting myself, or anyone as a

friend. Humane societies work toward providing benefits for animals and our community. In

comparison, I work to support humane societies and their efforts. I can now say I have found an

organization I can comfortably connect with. As I have gotten older my love for animals has grown; now,

my love has grown in outreach. I have found an organization

that is established in my interest, and within it is a close clique

of people who help the society run because they withhold my

same interests. Now I am tasked with deciding how I can

contribute to the society’s efforts, and I challenge all to join my

effort. So, now I ask how can you give back?

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Works Cited:

Belteau, Cat. Personal Interview. 29 October 2010.

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Green, Amy. “Animals With No Kingdom.” News bank Access World News. Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2008.

Web. 28 Oct. 2010. < http://iw.newsbank.com/iw-

search/we/InfoWeb?

p_action=doc&p_theme=aggdocs&p_topdoc=1&p_docnum=1&p_sort=YMD_date:D&p_produ

ct=AWNB&p_docid=11F0D2E0D1E7D4F0&p_text_direct-

0=document_id=(%2011F0D2E0D1E7D4F0%20)&p_multi=NWEC&s_lang=en-

US&p_nbid=D56F60XUMTI4ODY1OTI5OC42MjU3MDA6MToxMDoxNTIuMTUuMC4w>.

Reno, Jamie. “Inside the Puppy Mills-Investigating Puppy Mills.” News bank Access World

News. Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2007. Web. 28 Oct. 2010. http://iw.newsbank.com/iw-

search/we/InfoWeb?

p_action=doc&p_theme=aggdocs&p_topdoc=1&p_docnum=1&p_sort=YMD_date:D&p

_product=AWNB&p_docid=11D86A7EA29418B8&p_text_direct-

0=document_id=(%2011D86A7EA29418B8%20)&p_multi=NWEC&s_lang=en-

US&p_nbid=Y68T5DGRMTI5MDQwNDM0Ni44MDM3NDE6MToxMDoxNTIuMTU

uMC4w>.

“Spaying and Neutering.” Spay/Neuter Ordinances Facts. Web. 1 Nov. 2010.<

http://www.idausa.org/facts/spayneuter.html>.

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