In Dillingham, dogs housed at the animal control facility starved to death when no one bothered to check on them. In Houston, dogs and cats were euthanized by police officers with guns after what appears to be an inadequate effort to relocate them. In Bethel, officials consider shooting strays as a way to control the problem in some situations. And across the Bush, intact animals roam freely, procreating, with pups often dying cruel, lonely deaths and rescue efforts are an uphill battle.

Even in the state's biggest city, we have problems. Too many pets are dumped at animal control each year. And too many owners refuse to clean up after their pets, fouling our creeks and forcing everyone who uses our parks and trails to negotiate the poop left behind

It sure seems like Alaska's problems with controlling our domesticated animals has come to a head. Is there a solution? Budgets are tight everywhere, but with all the money that is raised by animal-advocate groups across the country, you'd think there would be some money to seriously address the issue.

What do you think?