Take a Stand for Cats
posted by: alicia graef 195 days ago
According to Alley Cat Allies, 7 out of 10 cats who end up in shelters are killed each year. For feral cats who are funneled into the system, the kill rate is virtually 100 percent.
Feral cats aren’t the same as strays. For the most part, they’re more like wild animals who won’t seek out people. No one wants to spend the time or resources on what the ASPCA equates to trying to adopt a raccoon and turn it into a house pet. As such, it’s virtually impossible to place feral cats in homes, especially considering the number of already domesticated cats who are up for adoption.
According to the ASPCA, left unchecked, one female cat and her offspring can produce 420, 000 cats. With populations estimated in the tens of millions, what’s to be done with them all?
Fortunately, there are simple steps can be taken to improve their lives and reduce their numbers, instead of employing cruel methods aimed at eradication, or relocation, which don’t appear to be effective.
Colony caretakers and programs like Trap-Neuter-Return are a very important resource for feral cats. Caretakers can provide food, water and shelter, in addition to working with groups like Alley Cat Allies to educate the community on how to coexist with cats.
Trap-Neuter-Return programs are also a humane alternative to elimination and not only reduce the number of feral cats, but also improve their health.
Check out Alley Cat Allies for ways you can help, and sign Care2’s petition to promote the protection of feral cats.
Read more: cats, animal welfare, feral cats, alley cat allies
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Hi i do fully beleive in the trap neuter spay and release program, i feed about 12 to 15 cats every day that all live together, in a colony, they are all beautiful healthy cats , but i feel so sorry for the females, who are always pregnant ,and then there are the babies , who we never get to see untill they are wild. we have been trying to get this program going for a long time now but the city i live in would rather spend the money having them put down, which is more costly,so until then we will just have to do the best we can,at least they know someone cares ,God bless them.
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The poor animas need to be helped. As owners of animals we need to be responsible to many cats are left running around then there breeding and it not fair on them when there court.
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Oops, the entry below was meant for another thread re: rehabing dogs that have bitten someone. Too many issuse that I can't keep my nose out of, nor keep track.
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But, if I can socialize over 178 dogs (w/ 1 failure) and place the majority of them into new homes with No Troubles, Rehabilitation IS Possible. Just not worthy of societies time or trouble.
Post suggesting stricter Fines for NEGLECTFUL owners is what I've been fighting for. Other posts suggesting some people shouldn't have pets; EXACTLY! For that matter, that should go for People not having kids either, but that's another topic.
The Fight for Animal Rights is never ending. So sad that is so necessary.
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Auh! I ment the post below for a "rehabilitaing biting dogs" thread.
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That is not true cats are not the problem with killing wild creatures and birds. Please read this link www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=325 The real reason for decline of wild animal species is that human activity is destroying their habitat. Killing cats does not help the problem. TNR has been proven to work trap and kill has been PROVEN not to work. So why waste time with something that does not work. Why perpetuate the myth that the cats are at fault. The few creatures they kill are not the problem. We are talking about cats not dogs and kane toads. You are only trying to change the subject because you do not want to try something that actually works. They are different species requiring different tactics but if it was possible to nueter them then it would probably work with cane toads too much more effectively than trying to kill them. Its not just a matter of being kind these TNR methods actually work better than killing them. There have been studies that prove it. So do what is barbaric and doesnt work or what works seems a silly choice to me do what works.
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Okay Boys, I've "Suggested" TNR might be helpful in some situations. It will not "SOLVE" Any problems mentioned here. I consider it an Aid to the methods now in use. I am stating "My Belief" that Killing wildlife (cat, rabbit or toad; didn't feel it was necessary to type out every animal, in earlier posts) is not a solution, but a uncivilized band-aid on a cancerous situation.
Cont. below (defending one's view takes space)...
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Don't get me wrong, I too have my limitations. I took in a dog that turned out to be a killer of critters (I mentioned her on another issue). Tapping out all my resources to contain this wonderful Human companion, was to no avail in protecting critters from her wrath. The guilt of concluding that My options were not enough to keep her here with my large variety of other rescues, will live w/ me forever. The thought of finding her a loving home through my local humane society (which is Not a no-kill shelter) was a true Act of Denial. How stupid am I, to not be smarter than this dog? But because of her, I refuse to let her departure to be in vane. I continue to fight every day to do the best I can by my rescues & for the wildlife that surrounds me.
Furthermore, feed for horses & local land development has attracted & brought (never before) RATS to my property, AUHG! Traps are set for rats to release them elsewhere in an empty desert area (w/food & water to start them off). Those that outsmart the traps leave me with limited or what I consider humane options. But only yesterday, I Euthanized a rat wedged in a vent hole. Not easy, not fun, but necessary to end a rat's suffering. I still have to figure out how to remove the rat, in 1 piece.
Concluded below...
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I've "Suggested" TNR & relocation for pests in AUS. as "PART" of the solution. I've "Suggested" keeping an open mind to better options than even this. As the Superior Species, we could & should be able to come up w/ solution's to man's troubles without killing everything that inconveniences us, w/ creative thinking. I admit I have failed, & will try to do better. I do find is discouraging that society as a whole, doesn't do the same.
I think I covered Tom's question. And hopefully elaborated on earlier generalizations for Alastair L. Please note that the posting of Gore Vidal's quote, was meant to be a Bit facetious of my opinions, while an effort to lighten the tension growing on this thread. I am far too busy to take these threads seriously any longer.
I would like to mention that I don't believe narcissism makes one an evil human being. My brother in law is one. I've just learned that reasoning with them is close to impossible, & that opposing views will never measure up, (and to never marry one).
Do what you feel you must, while allowing others to try different tactics, and yes, even oppose (politely) each other's differences. I've tried, but may have failed in that aspect as well. Like Alaistar, I attempt being better everyday (what a chore!).
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One more thing Itty Bitty...
Regarding your sadness about not being able to save the world on your own, don't be sad. You have discovered a Truth which many people never get close to in their whole life. The truth of suffering, this world +is+ suffering. Seek the cause of that suffering (it's not in the world).
Once the cause is found, the cessation of suffering becomes possible. The way to come out of suffering is the noblest task any of us can see ourselves and caring for other beings, as you do ( somewhat exclusively perhaps ;) ), is part of that task. Careful speech is another part; my OP on this thread was very measured (and inconclusive for that matter). I see myself as an interested observer not an advocate or prosecutor on this issue. Truth and ethics are my interest more so than Native species. I'm a long, long, long way from perfect as you already have observed, but I'm happily moving towards the light.
The one word you haven't used yet to abuse others is "projection". I'm guessing your not quite as old as you've indicated because projection is a Baby Boomer trait par excellence.
There can never be peace on earth until there is Peace in every heart. Only person who can work on that is me, starting with +my+ heart. Nice to meet you, Itty Bitty.
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