I just spotted a sickening picture on Facebook. I thought I’d write a post around it. Maybe it’s a boring subject. For me it is a subject that is at the core of the reason why, in the short or long term, all the wild cats are in jeopardy of becoming extinct in the wild or totally. That is not an exaggeration.
In this post I am not writing about business destroying wild cat habitat which prevents wild cats living. I am writing about the wanton killing of wild animals which upsets me deeply. For this reason I am compelled to write about it and to try and understand it. This is a very difficult subject and I respect other people’s ideas, cultures and opinions. As I hate the killing of wild cats for fun (sport) or because they clash with people’s lifestyle, I have to ask the question, “Why do people kill wild cats?”.
As a Northern European, if I was living in central America, I would love to see bobcats in the area. If one came into my yard I’d photograph it. I would like to become acquainted with the cat. I would try and befriend the cat although I would respect his or her wildness. I know many Americans think the same way. I have read comments where Americans have demonstrated their delight at seeing a bobcat or a cougar.
If I was a farmer or small holder in America and a bobcat killed some livestock I’d ask myself, “what did I do wrong and could I protect my livestock better?”. I wouldn’t think of ways to kill the bobcat. Obviously, I am miles apart culturally from some people in some parts of America, including the woman in the picture who I have mocked with my caption. For me she deserves it. Although she may feel she had a good reason to kill the cat. I can’t think of any good reasons, sorry.
She lives in central America, Council Grove, Kansas. Is this a cultural thing in Kansas? Do people in California think the same way as people in Kansas? I sense that California is closer to Europe than the other 49 states of the United States because there are eight cities in California that have banned the declawing of cats. In all of the UK declawing is banned. Also the puma is fully protected in California. That is not the case in other states. I am told that California is not typical of the US. Am I right?
What is the Mentality Behind Killing Wild Cats?
It has to start with a lack of respect for animals. It just has to. If a person respects other animals you can’t kill them for a careless reason.
The keeping of wild cats for pleasure or commerce is a gradually dying concept. The law in the USA is putting a squeeze on people who like to keep wild cats in cages (private zoos) or as pets. This signals a change in culture, at last, to a more respectful relationship with the wild cats. There is a gradual change in favour of the wild animal.
I have to conclude that people who kill wild cats for the wrong reasons are less well developed intellectually and culturally than people who dislike it. It is about developing a culture and an intellect that informs people that the better course is to find ways to live in harmony and in balance with all life on the planet. It is in our power to achieve it. Unfortunately, the people who are empowered to effect this can’t work out how to do it or don’t care.
These people are fur trappers. Marc did some digging around. Fur trappers and traders make me sick. I hate people who kill animals for their skins. They are heartless bastards. The fur trade is horrible. A hateful business. If I was in charge I would ban it totally and all the fur traders can go live in tents and eat baked beans for the rest of their lives.
Is it illegal fur trading? The pictures of those small bobcats trying to get out of the cage are horrible. We are still so uncivilized.
The illegality of fur trading depends on the state as I understand it. I guess in Kansas it is legal and some people proudly do it. These picture are on Facebook. I quickly found the Kansas Fur Harvester’s Association using Google. I hate the word “harvest” in relation to cats or any animal. It is just horrible.
I just want to say that Britain may be better now but in the past we were just the same. I just feel that in parts of America hunting and trapping is still big and in my opinion it is time to stop. Over. Finish. Let’s change our relationship with wild animals before there are only a few left when people will start bleating “What happened?”
Who the hell are buying these furs? Marc is right about most parts of Kansas, as is Liz regarding making disparaging remarks about ones own country but on the other hand, this country is huge and so much of it feels to me like third world living and attitudes. I think many so called third world countries are much better than Kansas, who should know better. I wonder in how many states fur ” harvesting” is legal?
This is one case where ignorance on my part would be bliss. This hurts at my core.
Agreed, we are better off not knowing about it as you say. Reading it and seeing it damages people who are sensitive to the needs of wildlife. It truly is depressing for people like me.
I’m not exactly sure why I’m torturing myself, but as it turns out it is legal to hunt bobcat in Kansas. There are rules and regulations as to how, what kind of traps, number of animals per season and so on. It is very disheartening. They claim it is necessary to control the population. Bobcats bring in the most money for their furs. There are a list of animals that can be hunted for fur, but fur hunters are responsible for more than 3000 bobcat in a season. I’m sure it is exploited beyond the ability to control it.
I wouldn’t go googling, my friends.
Thanks for the research dw. Hunters will always find a way to justify killing animals. It is like vets justifying declawing cats. I think people should think about stopping breeding and give the cats a bit more space.