Apr 12, 2008

'The pound' is not PC for pets

Lindsay Reynolds / Daily News columnist

In our politically correct society, words matter greatly. Phrases people used just 10 years ago are now inappropriate, and acceptable terms seem to change yearly.

Even in the animal world, words make a significant difference. A hackles-raising phrase we hear is "the pound." The phrase conjures up visions of a dark, dungeon-like place where animals are mistreated. The preferred term is "shelter" where the lost, stray, unwanted and injured animals of a community are provided a warm bed, nutritious food, veterinary care and a gentle touch.

Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA, the largest animal shelter in San Mateo County, is among just a handful of national shelters that also cares for wild animals. Staff and volunteers work out of the society's San Mateo and Palo Alto facilities to rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned wildlife from San Francisco through northern Santa Clara County.

Other major programs at the organization include cruelty investigation, community education and outreach, low-cost spay/neuter, animal rescue, pet assisted therapy, and obedience classes. Hardly program offerings of a "pound."

Another outdated term is "dog catcher." This phrase greatly misrepresents our highly trained "humane officers" who on a daily basis perform daring rescues, take injured and lost animals out of harm's way and reunite lost pets with their guardians. They also provide gentle, yet serious warnings to residents who aren't obeying the leash law, as these officers, sadly, have to pick up animals hit by cars.

Shelters often receive this question: "I'd like to buy Fido, how much are you selling him for?" Even though shelters charge a fee, people are "adopting" not "buying" an animal. Buying denotes a profit and refers to the animal as an object. A companion animal, unlike a sweater that can be returned, should be seen as a lifetime commitment and a member of the family.



Lindsay Reynolds is the outreach coordinator for the Peninsula Humane Society. For more information, visit www.PHS-SPCA.org. or call 650-340-7022 ext. 344.