Not wishing to start another war....but,...

[mrsgee]

Would it not be more sensible for people to post about lost, missing, stolen, dogs, etc etc.....in a specific topic area, where people who actually may want to get involved in finding, rehousing, whatever, whatever, without creating upsets around opinions around culling, sorry has to be said....I think maybe that way, those who want to offer help can do so without putting it on the open forum, which often causes arguments and debates unnecessarily. I am all for finding homes for these poor animals, but not the best idea to throw it open to other opinions, especially if you don't like the other opinions......just my humble opinion of course.

[brian24001]

It would make sense to set up a whole new forum for the subject. Maybe call it 'petkomnorthcyprusforum.com'

[Ragged Robin]

Mrs Gee:

We have had this discussion several times before. I think the general opinion(and certainly mine) was that post about Missing, Lost and
Found dogs(and other animals) should be put on the general forum and left there for a while, because people who do not normally read the pets column might nevertheless care if someone had lost a beloved pet, and be prepared to keep an eye out for a specific dog. However, again - imho - such posts should be kept strictly on topic, and posts that dont relate to the missing animal should be deleted.

Stray animals do of course impinge on the community as a whole, and reasoned discussion should be allowed, but it should be separate and clearly headed, and it is insensitive to put it mildy to introduce into someone's grief about the loss of a particular animal.

[Ragged Robin]

It would make sense to set up a whole new forum for the subject. Maybe call it 'petkomnorthcyprusforum.com'

There was one! I forget what is was called, but it was intended to bring together people who had problems with their adopted strays, and particularly to find homes or relief care for animals cared for by people who themselves were no longer able to because death or illness. It got very little support and eventually it disappeared - obviously most people here prefer to spout their prejudices, rather than risk actually having to actually help a human being in distress over an animal.

[mrsgee]

But that is exactly my point RR, by putting the posts on the general forum, it simply opens the whole thing up to debates that clearly upset a lot of people....so would it not be more sensible then....maybe. taking on board your point about people not reading other sections, (which actually I find rather a shame) to have a special section that animal loves CAN go to....and then it would maybe contain some of the comments which you, and others find distasteful. Just a thought maybe then you, and others, would not have to listen to people that 'spout their prejudices'.

[ardstrawray]

Would it not be more sensible for people to post about lost, missing, stolen, dogs, etc etc.....in a specific topic area, where people who actually may want to get involved in finding, rehousing, whatever, whatever, without creating upsets around opinions around culling, sorry has to be said....I think maybe that way, those who want to offer help can do so without putting it on the open forum, which often causes arguments and debates unnecessarily. I am all for finding homes for these poor animals, but not the best idea to throw it open to other opinions, especially if you don't like the other opinions......just my humble opinion of course.

If you do not want to read about dogs then do not open the post.

[mrsgee]

Thanks for the very helpful suggestion ardstrawray.......that is obviously the best solution. I was only trying to suggest a way of preventing opening these posts up to hurtful comments.....so, yes, maybe the comments should continue. Best wishes.

[elizabeth]

But that is exactly my point RR, by putting the posts on the general forum, it simply opens the whole thing up to debates that clearly upset a lot of people....so would it not be more sensible then....maybe. taking on board your point about people not reading other sections, (which actually I find rather a shame) to have a special section that animal loves CAN go to....and then it would maybe contain some of the comments which you, and others find distasteful. Just a thought maybe then you, and others, would not have to listen to people that 'spout their prejudices'.

You're either very brave or very foolish to even venture into anything to do with dogs on this forum, negative or opposing opinions are severely frowned on I'm afraid.

[Keithcaley]

The obvious way to avoid peoples' feelings being hurt is for others not to post hurtful comments.
The forum rules already provide for this...
I feel that anyone who has had a pet go missing would want the widest possible audience to be aware of the situation, as even the most disinterested readers would most likely respond if a pet which they knew to be lost, appeared outside their house!
Personally, I view all the posts available by using the 'view unread posts' button, but only actually open and read those which look interesting, and when I've read the ones that I want to read, I use the 'Mark forums read' button, which effectively hides everything else from sight.
So, I can see every post that is made in every section, I just don't read ones which don't look as though they would interest me, and don't get overexcited about posts that wander 'off topic' (which is a good job, as I'm probably one of the biggest culprits when it comes to veering off into 'La La land' ).
I think that the forum works just fine as it is - with a modicum of judicious moderation- I vote to leave it as it is.

[Fesenjan123]

Well said Keith Caley.

[PapaSquidge]

I am an advocate of culling. That said, I have rescued over 7 dogs and 6 cats. I have paid a fortune on vets bills and airfares flying these family members around the world and organising private (very expensive) kennels when returning to UK.

Ink it's great to have all these animal on the normal forum, I would miss hearing about lost pets and many others who do not have animals would miss helping locate a lost pet. Just because I have an opinion on culling should not mean that I should be orstriced from helping others. Just a thought. I will continue to do my best for pets on this island but I feel that some of your caring readers should reserve comment regarding those whose opinions differ from theirs.

[Ragged Robin]

PS Everyone is entitled to express their views on (almost) any subject. All that we ask is that you don't do it by hijacking another thread about lost animals which might upset someone who is already distressed (I think it may have been a thread which did something like that which prompted Mrs Gee's post), and you respect the fact that others also have the right to disagree. You can always start your own thread to air the subject.

Re Keith's post, I think there are two types of post. The first where someone is asking for (or offering) advice, information or help, perhaps about a distressing situation, should be respected and posters should stay strictly on topic. The second is of general interest, where one subject naturally leads to another, as it would in a verbal conversation , and interesting debate, and it actually demonstrate an interesting and active mind to see other aspects (well that is my excuse and am sticking to it!)

I sometimes go on another forum where they have a rule if that the original poster does not want off topic comments, he/she puts a notice at the top "PLEASE STAY ON TOPIC". On other threads a reasonable latitiude about drifting away is allowed. It seems towork