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.
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.
I’m dealing with a sadist like this Woodsman guy. He left cat food out with anti-freeze in it and so far three cats/pets are missing one is dead. I called the police he treats his dogs in a sick way that I threw up hearing them screaming. I’m afraid my cats will will be killed its hard to lock them in the police do not understand this. What do I do?
Plz consider an answer even if it has to be at my email
I have answered and I wish you the very best of luck. One other thing we can do is to write about your problem in an article on this website. That would publicize it. Can you write another comment and give me lots more information? I will then write an article for you.
Thanks for your comment Debbie. Do you know who the person is? You don’t tell me what the police did when you contact them. Please tell me what the response of the police was. My experience is that the police won’t or can’t do much. In other words you cannot rely on the police that much. You say:
“… its hard to lock them in…” – in reference to your cats. I am afraid the only way to protect your cats in an area where there is a nasty cat hater about is to keep them in. And the best way is to build a little cat enclosure or catio. This will both protect them and give them a decent quality of life. Either that or move home.
My advice sounds harsh but if you can’t rely on the law what else can you do? There is one last possibility. Get together with other neighbors and get evidence of his cruelty towards animals. If he is mistreating his dogs can you video that or tape record the sound? If you can get evidence take that to the police and you’ll have a better chance that they will respond. Also, is there another agency that can help. In the UK there is the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals (RSPCA) that people can call and they come down and investigate cases of animal abuse.