Dear Editor,

The recent concerns with trash build up within the City of Selma has drawn some much deserved publicity. It is for sure that curb side pick up by the city has been better, but the overall trash and litter problem has been around for a long time. Personally, I have written on the subject several times in the past in the hopes of appealing to the better attributes of citizens to be more concerned with the appearance of the city. Somewhere along the line, civic pride died an untimely death. There is probably enough fault to spread around to all facets of our society, but first on the list has to be the lack of adequate teaching and role models.

It is not archaic to teach consideration and respect for others, and for keeping your surroundings clean and orderly. Also, it is not old fashion to teach common courtesy, and consideration of your neighbors right to  live in a clean peaceful environment. It is selfish and self centered to do otherwise.  

 Trash and littering is a big time problem in Selma, but there are many other problems as well. There is a problem with stray cats and people not caring for their so-called pets. I use the term so-called because if they truly loved their animals, they would take care of them, have them vaccinated and clean up after them. I don’t suppose there is an ordinance concerning the sheltering of cats, but there should be. The problem has become so acute living a street behind some of the fast food establishments, you have to be careful stepping outside in the yard. I have to go around and scoop up their droppings, or at least all I can find, before attempting to cut grass.  The problem is magnified by some placing food out for them under the guise of being compassionate. If they were compassionate, they would attempt to trap them and have them spayed or neutered to stop the cycle of unwanted cats.

 We have tried trapping using the city animal control cages, but with limited success. They will only provide one or two and the problem is too great and it would take more than one person trying to stop it. The city is of very little assistance either. They will bring a cage out and come back and pick it up. We called animal control early last Saturday about a dead un-collared stray cat in front of our house. This is Tuesday, and they haven’t shown up yet.

 We do not own any pets, but have to tolerate the so-called pets of others. Personally, we are not against having pets. However, if you have pets, please take care of them, have them vaccinated, and clean up after them. And, please do not allow them to become a nuisance for your neighbors. It is just common courtesy to allow your neighbor to live pet free as for you to have pets. Dogs in the backyard chained up should be cared for as well and the areas kept clean. It becomes a nuisance from the terrible stench, and in the summer months from flies.

 Selma can do better, and Selma must do better.

 

– James G. Smith