I have observed a longstanding problem with Rutgers students regarding keeping pets in their off-campus apartments or houses and then abandoning their pets, especially cats, when they leave their apartments after the semester or school year is over. I would like to ask these students why they do not feel guilty about leaving their cats or dogs behind only to let them out on the street to be killed by a car, starve to death or get sick. Students should realize that the cats are living, feeling beings: They are not like the rest of the trash they put out on the curb! I would like to stress to them not to get a pet in the first place if their only intention is to leave the pet behind or put it out in the street after they move. It is certainly not fair to the many cats and dogs I have seen over the years that were left behind by the students. After all, I feel that if these individuals are in college they have enough intelligence to realize the results of their irresponsibility. They are not young children and should be made to feel some responsibility for their cruel and heartless actions!
Adele Francescino is a New Brunswick resident.
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