Sound Off is a recurring feature appearing in The News Courier. Those wishing to sound off should email comments to NewsCourierSoundOff@gmail.com. Published entries cannot be longer than 100 words. Entries exceeding that amount will be edited for space/content. Please keep in mind the following: Not all items sent to the Sound Off column are published. Items that mention a person or business by name are discarded, unless the person mentioned is a public figure and the item is not a personal attack on that person. Items that have not been published within one month are typically discarded.

I don’t think the citizens of Athens need the mayor and City Council telling them how to care for their pets. I rescued a dog that would have probably been euthanized and gave her a loving home for 17 years. During that time she was tethered and also stayed in the garage on many occasions and there was never an issue. If someone is abusing or neglecting a pet, by all means prosecute them with the current laws. If you start measuring tether lines and looking in garages, fewer people will be adopting and more animals euthanized.