by Deborah-Ann Milette
(New York)
Motzie the famous F2 Savannah cat and lover of life and curious as a child
First and foremost, I had checked 4 years ago with the state of NY if I could have Motzie. I was told I could have anything but an F-1 because a permit was required and NO Savannahs were allowed in the 5 Boros of NY. I informed the permit office I would be living between Albany & Saratoga would that be fine, reply; perfect.
Well DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)) and Animal Control got a complaint from a woman who raises cats that Motzie had attacked her recently as well as her cats and he was mean and vicious. They showed up at my door and I would not let them in. I learned this ages ago!
My plea for help went out and Helmi Flick (the best professional cat photographer), Christy Montgomery (cat rescue expert) and my breeder answered the call for help. My neighbors, dog owners and rental agents helped to loan me money to acquire the health certificate, travel to CT and stay overnight and fly the boys to my breeder for safety. Their life always came before mine and DEC was angered by what I did because they were going to have them put to sleep at my expense yesterday. He asked why I moved the evidence, "love," was my only reply.
Because I defied DEC and protected the cats I have been fined $1,400 for saving the lives of two precious animals. My lawyer is on a war path because of the false accusation and FAXed 25 letters going against the accusation.
I am hurt and, yes, angry, but I only hope and pray that people will begin to learn that this sort of lie never pays. I just wish the "Cat Fancy" people would learn to work together instead of against each other.
Motzie is owned by me but the sad reality is he belonged to the people. I NEVER denied anyone to hold, hug, cuddle or pet this wonderful animal. We will be back on the show circuit again once all the ugly dust settles.
Deborah-Ann Milette
Jealous Cat Fancier Turns Motzie In As Vicious to Savannah cat
Note: Motzie is the best known Savannah cat worldwide and what could be described as a famous domestic cat...Michael (Admin).
We live in upstate NY. And own a savannah.I researched the laws of NY. On this and u can own one as long as it is registered with the TICA. AND IT’S A F6 OR MORE..NOW HERE’S THE KICKER..A breeder might say the cat is say a F3 but the TICA.more then likely will classify the cat more towards a F5 or F6.MY vet loves the cat and I did everything by the “book”.As long as the association says that savannah is a f6 and is registered with them and it has all the required shots that the state requires the cat is legal.
Thanks Matt for that great information. I have some notes on this subject too but your comment adds nicely to it.
https://pictures-of-cats.org/savannah-cat.html#Legalities
I love ALL cats. Savannahs hold a special place in my heart because of my dear Nichael, a Moggie?, who I somehow lost after the move from the East Campus bungalow here in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was a silver/grey tabby with long ears, an inquisitive, mischievous, highly intelligent personality, and a spotted belly. He was my spotted-bellied “sphinx.” Like Marc and his beloved Red, we never tired of playing together, inside and out.
Marc, if you read this, when you get off work today, I hope that you will allow me to comment to you on my orange tabby, Shrimp? I think that I understand the close bond that you two had with each other. 🙂
I forgot why I was writing this.? Oh! Michael (PoC fearless leader), would you please update us on Ms. Deborah Milette and Moxie? TIA, Cal
What a horrible ordeal you’ve been through! Why anyone would deliberately try to get such a beautiful, sweet and innocent animal put down is beyond me. I believe I’d have to sue the neighbbor for making a false police report and endangering the life of an animal. That person would have to show absolute proof of an attack by Moxie. It wouldn’t be enough to show cat related injuries because they could have gotten them from any cat. Obviously they would have no proof that would stand up in court since no attack happened. I feel so bad for you and I’m really pulling for Moxie. Please do whatever is necessary to protect him. Contact PETA, also.