#Middlebury #Pets
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I saw something on social media about a town in New York state that passed an ordinance requiring pets to “cover their genitals” by wearing pants. This is ridiculous! Is it for real? – Clark G.
DEAR CLARK: It’s a wild idea, but no, the photo circulating on social media is fake. Pet owners, you can put away those doggy pants. (Unless your dog enjoys wearing them, of course.)
Officials with the city of Auburn, New York, were unpleasantly surprised to find their city’s letterhead going viral on social media just a couple of weeks ago. A fake letter said that residents’ pets would be required to wear pants outside so that their genitals would not be in view.
“It is an uncomfortable and difficult situation for a parent, grandparent or guardian to have to explain to their ward when they are questioned about canine and feline genitals,” the letter said. It also claimed that many towns in New England have made pet pants mandatory – also not true.
It’s probably no accident that the fake letter started circulating just before April Fool’s Day. And while it seems like a funny prank, the city of Auburn isn’t laughing. “The intentional misrepresentation of the law and the forgery of the signature of an elected official are illegal acts and should be taken seriously,” City Clerk Chuck Mason told The Citizen. (Read the article at this link: tinyurl.com/2p8uedv4, or search for “auburnpub.com, pet pants”).
Hopefully, no one takes this to heart and tries to get a similar ordinance passed in their town. Our dogs and cats can let it all hang out with no fear of official reprisal, or ladies fainting away from the shock.
Send your questions, tips and comments to ask@pawscorner.com.
© 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.
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