by Michael
(London, UK)
I wonder if the new laws – the word “ordinance” is used for local USA laws – concerning feral cats that will come into force in Columbia, Missouri, are a trend for the future. I am pleased about them and also a bit concerned.
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The Ordinance
The good people who care for feral cats now have to ensure that the cats are spayed and neutered, trapped and tested for FeLV and FIV, clip one ear of trapped cats to ID the cat, microchip trapped cats, vaccinate all the cats against rabies in addition to the other vaccinations required and finally find homes for feral kittens while spaying the mothers…phew..
That is a lot and a lot of obligations and responsibility. It will also cost a lot of money. Who will pay for it?
Why it is good?
I guess this is obvious. Something is being done at source, well not quite at source, about the feral cat problem. This is something I have been harping on about for a while.
Why it is not so good?
People who feed and organize neutering of feral cats are volunteers, most often. How will they afford to do all these worthy and useful things?
Will it lead to an abandonment of feral cats rather than greater work in respect of feral cats? Will it stop existing trap, neuter and return programs?
Apparently people can apply for city funds to assist in the cost. That may be the savior of this enlightened ordinance.
Now we need some attention placed on cat caretaking generally. Irresponsible cat guardianship is the root cause of the feral cat problem.