… with Sherry Perry Keats from Glovertown
Sherry, on Facebook, you are very active and outspoken about animal cruelty. Where does your passion for animal protection come from?
I am a nurse by profession. So naturally, the caring nature is there. I have always loved animals. With social media like Facebook, there is more information about animal cruelty. It makes you more aware what is happening out there.
My awareness about animal cruelty was through becoming a member of the SPCA and their Facebook page. That was a big revelation to me about the concerns in our province.
Do you have pets yourself?
Yes, I have a horse and a pony, 2 dogs, 2 cats and 2 birds. We`ve also had a billygoat but it passed away two years ago. My pets are rescues.
Sherry Keats writes: “Here is a picture of my Newfie pony the first year that I got him. Although I “bought” him, I consider him a rescue because he was thin, sick with heaves and very wormy. It took me three years to get him in good condition.” (Photo Sherry Keats)
How do you try to help animals in need?
I am a member of the SPCA in Gander. I support them with food and donations. I also distribute posters for the SPCA around town. It is not much but we do our little bits here and there. Already a bag of food can help.
I just try to help by posting pictures of adoptable pets and repeating the message given by the SPCA and many other shelters which is to be responsible and sterilize your animals.
What can people do to prevent cruelty to animals?
They should report it! Very often, people turn a blind eye, especially in small communities. They don`t want to get involved because they might know these people.
Is there a way out?
I tell people who want to report cruelty to animals that they can do it anonymously. They can report it to Crime Stoppers. They have a website for Newfoundland and Labrador: nlcrimestoppers.com. There is a phone number, too: 1 800 222 84 77. You can actually submit a tip online. There is a confidential tip information system. The more people report it, the better.
Sherry writes: “The second picture is a before and after.!!!” (Photo Sherry Keats)
Is cruelty to animals a crime?
Yes, in our province there are new laws in place. There are things that are against the law. It has been in the news. For instance, there are exact laws governing dogs that are tied up 24/7. People don`t realise that according to the new law the dog has to have social interaction with humans and other dogs, the dog has to have access to exercise, it has to have toys. In the new law, there are also specifications about the type of shelter (dog house).
Do people know about this?
There are still people that are not aware of the new laws. It is about getting the message out there that some things are not acceptable.
Animal cruelty does not happen in a vacuum. People see it.
Beside the tethering of dogs, what do you worry about most?
I am against backyard breeding because when people are getting rid of their kittens and puppies, they don`t screen the new owners.
Backyard breeding contributes to overpopulation and cruelty to animals.
Breeders should be licensed and there should be a governing body.
Thank you, Sherry, for this interview.
If you want to read more about the new Animal Protection Act, click here.
