Why a person would abuse any animal, much less a pet, is often incomprehensible. The action defies logic and a sense of humanity. Unfortunately, with the upcoming Easter holiday, the cat and dog spring birthing seasons and with the heat of summer we can expect more cases of animal abuse.

We urge anyone considering the purchase or adoption of a pet to consider the choice thoroughly. Don’t get caught up in the impulse and emotion of the purchase without thinking of the time, patience and money required to properly care for your pet.

Consider the emotional understanding required for your pet. Puppies will yelp at night, and kittens will climb anything, including legs. Animals can lose their charm very quickly as they grow and, as with a child, require a large amount of patience.

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A pet can bring comfort and companionship but it also brings responsibility for a life similar to a baby. The pet requires attention and money that many, particularly college students, may not be able to provide. Do your potential pet a favor and take time to consider your ability to care for them.

If you are considering a pet, contact the Southern Illinois Humane Society at (618) 457-2362.

To report animal abuse within the Carbondale city limits, call the Animal Control Unit at 457-3200, ext. 424.

To report animal abuse in Jackson County call (618)687-7235.

It appears the last round in the fight over the Crab Orchard incinerator has begun. Concerned students and citizens have begun protests, attempting to build enough support to stop the test burn scheduled to begin in early May.

With little more than a month before the test burn, it appears that the protesters chances of stopping the test are small. Short of going to court and proving their argument, we believe the test will proceed.

But the protesters have voiced legitimate concerns about the safety of Southern Illinois when the incinerator begins operating. Unfortunately, neither side of the argument has shown any trust, and this distrust has impeded cooperation.

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We would propose a possible compromise that has precedent. The two sides should agree to a neutral third party to act as the site tester and analyzer of incinerator emissions.

The U.S. Army’s Chemical Destruction Program proposes to use incinerators to destroy lethal chemical stockpiles. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is providing a third-party analysis of the emissions and their potential effects upon public health.

A similar third-party observer could be established for the Crab Orchard incinerator. A third party able to perform its own testing and analysis whenever it desires would certainly do a great deal to establish a degree of trust.

This would appear to be a project that begs for SIUC to consider its involvement as the third party. The benefits for long-range study of dioxins, hazardous waste disposal and a learning environment for students would bring benefits.

Both sides of the argument have volunteered statistics and studies to support their side. But now is the time for cooperation to ensure the work performed at the burn site is done correctly and that the safety of Southern Illinois is the primary consideration.