The stray and feral dogs of the large, poverty-stricken Pine Ridge Indian Reservation are being rounded up and shot by tribal elders several times per year.
This is the only way that they feel able to control the thousands of unwanted dogs. Because this is happening on an Indian Reservation, it is a "Sovereign Nation", and many state laws do not apply to them.
WE DO NOT WISH TO INTERFERE WITH THEIR NATION, but rather, provide them with funding to manage this situation in a humane way.
Many of the Pine Ridge people want to protect and rescue these animals. But, they lack the resources to do so. Several animal rescue groups, based solely on donations, are trying to save these animals. LightShine Canine: A Rez Dog Rescue, is at the forefront of this mission. The state of SD needs to step in and help them.
Sadly, a beautiful young girl who loved animals was killed by a pack of these starving, hungry dogs. These dogs are even cannibalizing their own, as they are emaciated and desperate. Many of these dogs ARE adoptable, and make wonderful companion animals.
We feel that the state of South Dakota can assist with rescue efforts by offering free spay/neuter clinics for the residents of the reservation, and by offering aid to the rescue groups. Many of the residents on this Rez love their pets, but cannot afford the fees to neuter them. This only contributes to the feral/stray population. These people have had their land taken from them, and the least SD can do is give them a safe place for their animals and children.
By supporting the animal rescue effort, we are not only saving the lives of these beautiful animals, but saving the lives of people.
I implore you to act, Governor Daugaard.
I would like to iterate and amend my petition at 08:28pm, CDT, to state that this proposal, IN NO WAY, is meant as a personal attack against the Pine Ridge people! The accusatory comments directed toward them by supporters of my petition is not at all what I intended. Please FULLY READ this before leaving negative comments about these oppressed people!
