by Bill (Animal Control Officer)
(USA)
I think it is great to say that we want to save all the cats even the feral ones. But reality is the economy is terrible and the money to spend on the TNR (trap – neuter – return) programs generally speaking just don’t exist.
Additionally, I think it is unfair to randomly and arbitrarily blame the local ACO “#2-contacting animal control to trap and kill feral cats.”
The fact of the matter is that irresponsible people are to blame for the plight of most feral cat populations. I think an apology is owed and deserved to myself and others who have what can only be described as a thankless job.
Bill
Hi Bill…Well, firstly thanks for coming by. It is a first to hear from an ACO and I love different viewpoints and arguments as we all learn from it.
Please come back with some stories, even if we might find them harrowing or uncomfortable. Reality must be faced.
I tend to agree with your point of view too. Ultimately the responsibility is the cat keeper (owner) to care for their cat properly.
All feral cat problems ultimately go back to us, people, the human race and ACOs are part of the clean up process in response to irresponsible behavior.
It would be far better if a pro-active process was in place as it would save an awful lot of suffering for cats.
Note: I hope you don’t mind that I changed the title to make it more understandable to visitors from other parts of the world, where “ACO” is less well known.