Don't feed the animals!

A recent article in the Batavia Daily News telling about an upcoming fundraiser and awareness program gave some very disturbing statistics about Genesee County.  7114 people live below the poverty level.  6259 receive food stamps.  40% of our children qualify for free or reduced lunches.  6000 residents were helped by the food pantry.  Over 9000 meals were served by Stephen's table.  The numbers are alarming.  What I found more alarming was the one comment to the article, "Don't feed the animals.  They become dependent.".  That statement made me physically ill.  Have we, as a society, become that callous?