Cleaning up the downtown core in Merritt consists of more than just ridding the streets of drug pushers, drunks, and hoodlums.

It consists of cleaning up some of the smaller and less visible loiterers. Animals. Particularly cats.

I can't imagine what the streets would look like if it weren't for people like Angie Koczkur (Nicola Valley Feral and Forgotten Feline Society), Judanna Caros (Angel's Animal Rescue Society) and their many volunteers.

They have put countless hours and money into making sure animals are taken care of, all because someone didn't care enough.

First, we need to admit there is a problem in our town. There is a problem of stray animals, particularly cats, and there are social problems among the humans.

Putting the burden on the backs of individuals and animal groups is neither fair nor sustainable.

Should the City of Merritt step in and use tax payers' dollars to fix the problem? Yes and no.

While some may be discouraged from licensing their animals, the City's red tape is actually quite justifiable.

Those who invented animal licensing obviously knew that there exists among us ignorant and careless people who do not properly care for their animals and/or mistreat those of others.

Can the City be blamed for implementing a plan that seeks to hold pet owners accountable for their pets?

I remember hearing about some puppies who were placed in a plastic bag and thrown in the Nicola River last year. In interviewing Caros in the past, she informed me that animal abuse of this kind is not uncommon in the Nicola Valley.

Some argue that animals should not be likened to humans, but does that mean its open season to beat and neglect them? Would that same behaviour in humans not transfer over into other areas in some way?

The U.S. Humane Society says, if allowed to harm animals, children are more likely to be violent later in life. It also claims that a child's violence against animals often represents displaced hostility and aggression stemming from neglect or abuse of the child or of another family member.

It all starts at home. Children need to be taught to respect and care for animals - even when they soil the carpet or urinate on the kitchen floor.

Despite the social roots of the current problem in Merritt with abandoned and wild animals, I believe the City, a representative of the people, the ignorant included, has to do something.

It's our problem and the City is ours.

Mayor Susan Roline has expressed her desire to work with the animal groups in town to resolve the matter.

It would be in the City's best interest to have the matter cleared up before the Feb. 6 Torch Relay which could bring a media blitz to our town.

-- John O'Connor