Oakland Press- Opinion Page
October 15, 2007

There's another section of the population that is hurting - in part at least - because of the economy.

The Oakland Pet Adoption Center in Auburn Hills has reported an abundance of cats. It is even offering discounts to families that adopt one of the animals.

Joanie Toole, administrative supervisor at the center, says the number of cats turned in has more than doubled in just a year. She says there were 129 cats turned in during June 2007. For the same period in 2006, the number was just 59.

She says the economy certainly is a factor with many people saying they're moving out of the area and others saying they can't afford the animal because they've lost their jobs and/or their homes.

The best advice she can give under these circumstances - and we concur - is: "Don't get a pet if you can't afford one, and make sure it's spayed if you get one so that the population doesn't increase."