In a story that proves we may not be doing everything we can to fight the criminal element in Northeast Wisconsin, the residents of New London are angry that their police officers can’t spend all of their time also serving as dog catchers for their community (story HERE).

The unwarranted outrage began when New London Police announced that abandoned pets would have to be released, after a community partner was getting stuck with all of the costs because of deadbeat pet parents.

Then residents, with little to no solutions recommended, vented their outrage to our first responders on social media (as if their jobs aren’t already stressful). The department has since said they were exploring other options to try on calm this digital mob.

The truth is that we should want our police officers dedicating their time to stopping criminals, especially drug dealers who are trying to poison your family members, and are doing serious damage to the future of the region. Not chasing Fido all over town because his owner wasn’t responsible enough to get him chipped.

You know what some communities will do? They’ll pick up that stray animal and impound it. And if the owner picks it up, they’ll pay a fine. If the pet isn’t picked up, they’re put up for adoption. Not adopted? You’re an adult. You know how this works. The goal is for the community to take a stand and keep it from getting to that point.

This is because a pet is a responsibility. It was a responsibility when you brought that gold fish home from the fair when you were a kid. And it’s a responsibility now, as your sworn officers can’t keep the streets safe because they’re too busy taking Chihuahuas into custody for loitering in the parks.

Our pets deserve responsible ownership. And our police officers deserve the chance to do real work protecting our community.