Dear Town Council Members,

      As a citizen of this town, some flags have been raised after noticing a migration of stray animals into our neighborhood. I have been informed that the cause of this sudden migration is the result of certain neighbors that feed stray animals. I feel that this issue is of great importance and must be dealt with immediately. As a mother, I am concerned about the potential health risk or safety issues that these stray animals may bring into our neighborhood. Statistics show that 1 out of 75 stray animals may possess a disease because they are fully exposed to the environment and other animals. Having animals such as these roam freely in our neighborhood is dangerous for small children and household pets. In order to avoid problems that may come along with the presence of stray animals, the town must prevent and stop people in the town from feeding them. 

      Another issue that involves the presence of stray animals is cleanliness. I want make to make this point very clear. This is a town, not a shelter or a zoo! Feeding stray animals will only bring more of their kind into our neighborhoods. Who will pick up after these stray cats and dogs? Someone has to look after them because our town is not a public bathroom. Once again, a potential health issue is raised as a result such animals that leave their droppings unattended to. The Black Plague was caused by poor hygiene and horrible sanitation. Stray animals must not be allowed into our town to keep it clean and to prevent future outbreaks.

      Next, having animals roaming the town causes inconvenience and damages to property. On behalf of my neighbor Mr. Reed he stated that, “These smelly ole dogs have knocked over my garbage cans countless times in hopes of finding food! Because of this, I have to go out and pick up the trash that they scatter on my driveway. These darn dogs would then come back to my house and knock it over again a few hours later! I am just too old to keep walking up and down these stairs because I have arthritis in my knees. I ask the town board to please get rid of them…or else I will!” I must agree with Mr. Reed because I have also needed to deal with these animals on countless occasions. A few nights a go, I was awakened by loud and violent barks. How am I supposed to sleep with all that noise? Furthermore, my 4 year old son is afraid of these dogs because their barking causes him to think that the dogs are monsters. The alarming population of dogs has also brought up the chances of getting into an accident. My friend Becky drove her car into a mailbox into order to avoid a fight between a cat and a dog in the middle of the road. Who will pay for the damages caused done to the car? Stray animals must be removed because they cause personal strains and hazards to people throughout the town.

      In conclusion, I feel that the town must put a stop to citizens who are feeding stray animals. This would be an ideal solution for the town because it would stop the problems that many people are experiencing from these animals. Stray animals posses potential health problems to every living thing around us. These animals also pollute the town with their feces which also bring up sanitation issues. Furthermore, animals are an inconvenience to my self and many others because stray animals damage and disturb properties. It would be the best interest for the town to resolve this matter quickly and efficiently in order to avoid future problems.

      On behalf of a concerned parent and citizen,