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Better to neuter feral cats than kill them

 
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Jul 25, 2006 - 02:10:21 CDT
By ELIZABETH PARAWSKI
Bethesda, Md.
Killing feral cats should not be "business as usual" ("Bismarck stray animal policy clarified," July 21).

Killing feral cats doesn't reduce the number of cats, because more cats just replace the ones killed unless you do something to stop the breeding. Trap-Neuter-Return stops the breeding.

Trap-Neuter-Return is a comprehensive community plan in which entire feral cat colonies are humanely trapped, neutered and vaccinated by veterinarians. Kittens and cats that are tame enough to be adopted are placed in good homes. Cats are returned to their familiar habitat to live under the watchful care of volunteer caregivers.

There are successful TNR programs all over the country, including Washington, Montana and Wisconsin. With TNR, cat populations gradually reduce. Nuisance behaviors associated with breeding, such as the yowling of females or the spraying of toms, are virtually eliminated and disease and malnutrition decrease. The cats live healthy, safe, and peaceful lives with their colonies.

(Parowski identifies herself as the program manager of Alley Cat Allies. - Editor)
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Better to neuter feral cats than kill them
Comments

BirdAdvocate wrote on May 8, 2009 9:09 PM:

" TNR is not non-lethal! I have too much respect for nature to think it's anything but abhorrent, inhumane, and irresponsible we have thousands of colonies of a domestic animal in the wild being maintained, subsidized, and enabled to predate on our natural fauna by well meaning but mis-informed people.
This subsidized predation allows the feral pets an unnatural advantage over our own predators and contributes to the devastation caused by habitat loss and pollution. "

adrian wrote on Jul 31, 2008 2:27 AM:

" First of all sorry for my english.
It seems that feral cat problems is universal. I live in Romania, a country in SE Europe. In my city it's the same problem with this impossible creatures, cats. They distroy everything, they live near the garbage, and they kill little birds for pleasure. I don't understand: TNR is a program that stop destroy the wildlife by these cats? I don't think so! There is a simple solution : JK - Just Kill. "

JpTyler wrote on May 29, 2008 3:03 PM:

" I have a Feral Cat problem in my Neighborhood! I just bought a house in Joplin Missouri.
A Neighbor 2 doors down is feeding Feral Cats.I talked with her about the cats defecating and spraying every corner of my house and she said"Well,they do like to mark their territory ,don't they"as if it were none of my business.This showed me that she has no respect for the neighborhood or any ones property.
I tried chasing them away,using cat repellent and other methods,but they just keep coming back.
I finally called animal control and they sent a guy out and he set one trap.
I donated some Friskies Salmon Dinner and we caught 8 cats the first week.He also talked to her about feeding the cats and she said she would stop,but has continued feeding them (although in a more discreet spot) .I've noticed a pattern and the trapped cat count is up to 13 pregnant females and one Tom Cat.They have all been put down.

In order to defend my property,I've become a cat trapper.She feeds them and they cross my property.I trap them and have them picked up by animal control.
I'm building the "Kitty Cat Condo" ,A small deck with a roof and a floor up off the ground out back by the alley.I'll be feeding them dry cat food for about a week with the traps not set but on the deck so they aren't afraid of them..
Then I'll set the traps and catch as many as I can for several weeks.
The animal Control Officers are appreciative of the help and the Feral Cat population has thinned out quite a bit.

Since I've begun trapping cats,the squirrels are back in my yard and song birds are coming around too. The smell of the Tom Cats urine is going away too. "

crystall wrote on Feb 20, 2008 7:16 PM:

" I live in a village and we are close to the woods and have around 50 or so feral cats, thanks to the cold hearted people who have them as pets then just leave them when they move out, makes me so mad, but i have been here for 7 months and do feed them every morning and nights so they have food in them and some warm water to help them make it threw these cold winter snowy nights. I have 3 favorites who i named and actually come on my patio while i get the food ready, i even have names for them. People that hate them and want them killed have no heart and they disgust me. These stray cats are my pets and if i were rich i sould trap every one and make a huge shelter for them all that are here. "

james wrote on Feb 16, 2008 1:18 PM:

" Eradication of feral cats is a laudable goal locally and globally. The biological documentation of this pest species destroying everything that walks, crawls or flies in their range is robust, old and overwhelmingly undeniable. Eradication via humane euthanasia is the solution. The Norwegian rat is cute and cuddly as is the feral goat and pig. Coupled with the feral cat these introduced pest species are destroying global biodiversity and causing extinctions where ever they are found.
The adult world is a place of decisions based on data not nonsense . TNR is such nonsense. The animals continure to makeus sick and destroy our wildlife. "

Becky wrote on Nov 20, 2007 3:17 PM:

" It is a felony to kill a feral cat.They are protected under the domestic animal law even though they are actually wild animals.Go to the Humane Societys website. It is a felony in all 50 states. And yes I am a Feral cat caregiver. They are all fixed. Why doesn't everyone just stop attacking each other. "

spayneuter wrote on Sep 30, 2007 1:23 AM:

" Spaying and neutering is the solution to the overpopulation problem among cats and dogs. Please support Minn-Kota PAAWS, the only low cost spay/neuter program in North Dakota (PAAWSPROJECT.ORG). "

Hedgysforever wrote on Jun 14, 2007 12:25 AM:

" To Wendel-If the USA is doing such a good job of eradicating rabies,how come Your country has not eradicated it by now?? Western europe and the Uk was riddled with rabies,We have eradicated it from western europe decades ago so why haven't your government done the same??? Because they make money from misery!!! that is why!! "

furryferals wrote on Jun 14, 2007 12:14 AM:

" furryferals wrote on Jul 26, 2006 5:08 PM: " I Think when a two-bit 'News' page like this has an open comment box,where any crackpot can leave comments anonymously,there will never be an accurate representation or discussion of any serious issues. Some of the comments I have read here are obviously posted by people who are either mentally degenerative Ignoramus's or just plain crackpots who have no worthy point to make,and no place in a civilised society. If you(The bismarck tribune)want people to express a legitimate comment then,have them register and login. But I suspect you would rather have these crackpots here. " Dave Bundy, editor wrote on Jul 26, 2006 5:23 PM: " To furryferals: One person's "crackpot" is another's genius, and I don't believe it's the job of the Tribune to decide. For instance, I disagree very much with your post, but I'm glad to post it and let others think about it. Just because I disagree doesn't make one of us an "ignoramus." " Dave first let me thank you for upholding one of the few remaining beliefs left in the American society..freedom of speech. Second It has been nearly twelve months since I posted and read your online 'news article' and I still whole-heartedly believe in the comments I made. The reason - because-I know what I am talking about.The other 'people'(ignoramuss') who do not know what they are talking about and know absolutely nothing about feral cats but they are willing to sit behind the anonymity of their computer desk and spin any false story on the other hand have come and gone,they spit their venom on pages like this-why? because your 'news' page makes it easy for them. There have been a lot of informative and educational responses by stefanz,beckiboo,Susan,WayneG,Malibu,and Kikis mom to name afew(sorry if I missed anyone)These people have posted informative posts based on facts and obviously have had a lot of experience with ferals. "

Online Editor wrote on Mar 4, 2007 8:46 AM:

" To Gary K: Great comment, feel free to post it again without the Gestapo reference. "

BirdAdvocate wrote on Feb 2, 2007 3:50 AM:

" Where is her compassion for the billions of our native wildlife their cats kill? When will she demand humane treatment for them? "

wendel wrote on Jan 29, 2007 6:53 PM:

" Feral cat population is growing exponentially. Cats are denuding their ranges of native wildlife. Cat is an invasive, nonnative species subsidized and lobbied for by ignorant cat nutters all over the country.Cats are rabies vectors, we spend close to a billion dollars annually in US on rabies control and treatment.We do a good job controlling rabies so the cat nutters can say its no problem. Cats 2to3 times more likey to be rabid than dogs. Cats carry toxoplasmosis ladies, how about a nice severelymentally handicapped , hydrocephalitic BABY or two. We have to start control measures now. Trap, euthanize done. TNR is cat nutter propaganda.Doesn't stop rabies or toxoplasmosis sooner or later the traditional method of rabies carrying animal control will prevail. Trap and Euthanize. A FERAL CAT IS A RAT THAT SEZ MEOW! Actually its worse! "

kim wrote on Jan 20, 2007 8:43 PM:

" This bird advocate charater is good at getting around, tell me some thing how humane is it for humoans to detroy our environment with devolopement andpollution so that wild life cant survive.Bird advocate no comments? seems easier to blame cats huh? "

compassion for ALL life wrote on Jan 15, 2007 11:15 PM:

" Since the US is very handy at spaying their disabled children,Why not afford the same to animals too?? "

BirdAdvocate wrote on Jan 15, 2007 1:35 PM:

" TNR proponents choose to reabandon cats into nature where they were never intended to be. It is an unethical way to treat a domestic animal. By practicing it they make a conscious decision to expose the cats to innumerable dangers, while imposing them on our wildlife and property owners. They are playing god. "

BirdAdvocate wrote on Jan 1, 2007 4:01 PM:

" If it is inhumane to kill cats how humane is it to enable them to destroy our native wildlife? "

Bird Advocate wrote on Dec 19, 2006 7:16 PM:

" An interview with a former trap/neuter/release advocate! Dear Cats Indoors! Campaign Supporter:Several years ago, Mr. J.R. Yeager contacted me to say that in his experience, Trap/Neuter/Release or TNR was not working to eliminate San Francisco’s feral cat population, nor was it humane. The following is a recent interview with Mr. Yeager, who also serves on the San Francisco Commission of Animal Control and Welfare. I believe his first-hand experience and recommendations are enlightening and I hope you find them useful. (MORE) http://72.14.209.104/search?q=cache:0XVT9iEuSrUJ:www.aav.org/PDF%2520Files/NewsletterDec06.pdf+feral+cats+J.R.+Yeager&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=6&lr=lang_en "

allen wrote on Dec 8, 2006 2:58 PM:

" I do see others points, yet I feel other people need to become awre of the fact if your willing to take a pet in you must be responciable enough to care for their needs till their time of natural death. Always obey the city or county laws. The times I have seen pets crushed on the roadswhen they should have been safe in thier homes is unspeakable. Please care for those who do not know how. "

kim wrote on Aug 17, 2006 11:42 PM:

" First off, I do get out of my backyard a little more as you put it, and second, I am educated and interestingly enough, if you say you have been here in January and the other winter months than surely you would know what a noreaster is , since it happens to be a severe winter storm that can dump snow or ice around here and that's feet not inches. That's not to say however, that we don't have mild winters , we can have those too, considering we are'nt ice locked for half the year like you guys in ND. Feral cats are real good at surviving even in the worst conditons ,I know this because Iam the one who has to dig a trail through the snow and go out on hellaciously cold nights for many years feeding them. I never said that just because I worked with feral cats that I knew more then other people about them if you've got some thing more constructive about feral cats to offer other then arguing with me then lets hear it. Maybe the reason there were problems with TNR in Michigan is because we are over run with both stray and feral cats in this country and even the tried and true method of euthanizing ferals has yet to be proven in getting results since we've been killing both cats and dogs for years and there still IS an animal overpopulation problem in this country. My own cats are rescued and I have way more then four and yes it does cost money as I also pay out of my own pocket and live on a fixed income.I certainly don't expect vets every where in the country to be low cost in providing spay /neuter services since vets want to make money like everyone else. Though I do think since there are so many homeless pets that either vets should do at least some free spays and neuters or the government should sponser a program so that at least low income folks like myself and rescue orgs can get their animals taken care of.My own cats do like to go out side and I do supervise their out door time for safety reasons but that does'nt guarentee safety from dogs or coyotes(we have them here so I'll assume you do also)or any other animals including feral cats yes my cats fight with ferals or someone who intends harm from getting your cats. While I don't know how animal control works where you are, here, they can take your cat out of your yard even if it's liscensed. It IS irresponsible to let your cat out side unattended so it can be harmed.Which I will presume the lady who's cat got killed in her drive way did because she knew the lady next door was feeding strays , cats that cannot fend for themselves outside adiqately should'nt be let out. By the way no one has the absolute RIGHT to do any thing including letting their cats out.TNR is not the be all end all answer to cat overpopulation and it does'nt entirely eliminate the need to euthanise ferals but it does help to lessen that need and for that reason I think it's worth a try. "

Rebel Yell wrote on Aug 14, 2006 2:28 PM:

" If what I'm hearing here is that too many North Dakotans think it's okay to maim and kill is true, then there's only one solution. Expose 'em to the world. Put their elected officials on the hot seat in the WORLD PRESS Ostracize at every opportunity. Make THEIR state the cruel butt of every joke and DEFINATELY, don't spend your money on any North Dakota-based product.Find out companies that sell/ship/or co-op North Dakotan goods, and air your ire. Obviously, they don't respond to persuasion, so like we should do politicians, lay on 'em heavy with the pressure. And before you call me a "Cat-Hugger" from California or Maryland, I ain't neither. I'm a "Country-Boy-Can-Survive" die hard REBEL who realizes 1st hand how VALUABLE outdoor cats are around the barn and in the yard whether tame or not. I owe perhaps my LIFE even to an ole neutered cat named Jaguar who saved ME from not ONE but THREE Copperheads in my own back yard in the span of a week. Lot's of people have been awakened by cats to escape a burning house. To the bird huggers out there, cat help eliminate those winged varmints that spread West Nile. And back in antiquity, Catharine DeMedici realized that cats were what saved Florence,Italy from the Black Death (Bubonic Plague) while England and most of Europe languished from the disease until someone burned the towns down. To this day, 500 years later, her protection order still stands in that Italian City. Yea, it's hot where I live now, not as cold as where you folks live, but up in Beach Mtn and Yancey County North Carolina, at about 5000 feet, between December to March, there ain't nothing between you and the North Pole to stop the cold (How about a 55 degree chill factor in Boone, NC eh?. Sound like I know what cold is like too eh?) Guess what, those folks from Asheville, NC on up decided on TNR and spay/neuter in general. Found some dirt-poor Appalachian Volunteers to help along with the more affluent. Cut their local pound euthansia rates by 75 PER CENT in three short years!. Fact Jack! Cruelty is as Cruelty does so reason won't work on some folks no matter the proof/scientific/hard facts. And some folks just don't have any shame. SO, Perhaps some of us Big Ole' Kind Hearts from South Cackilacki need to come up with our Remington 700's and Marlin 30-oughts and help Play "Equalizer"/help defend some of God's little critters from the likes of you Sociopaths. Figure we'll be doing society as a whole a favor eliminating the need to diagnose, capture, and jail for life the next generation of mass murderers from your Neanderthal Frozen Hell Hole. AND btw, the only reason your crime rate to OTHER humans is so low is because 1)You ARE the most sparsely populated state in the nation 2)You apparently aren't really human. Yea, see how you folks like having Open Season declared on some of YOU eh? Only fair right?. Won't be murder 'cause you ain't human. And anyway, alot of us Sutherners ain't forgot North Dakota has a history of attrocities some of your soldiers AND common citizens did to both the non-slave owning Southernors OR the indigenous FREE people who in my mind, STILL own the land you currently occupy from back a little over 100 year ago. Yea, I kinda' like that "Equalizer/Protector" role. Ofcourse, this ole' Critter Lovin' Rebel is just "jestin". "

Ace wrote on Aug 14, 2006 2:27 PM:

" Feral cats do not "harbor diseases" - in most cases it has been proven that they are in fact very healthy considering the kind of life they lead out on the mean streets. Killing them is NEVER a solution - taking their lives is NEVER the solution. These are living breathing sentient beings. We who are Human Animals should be the stewards of all of life, not its murderers. Whatever is done to any of these living beings is felt by ALL of us -- we are all connected and we have an obligation to help the lhelpless. These cats are the product of some irresponsible member of man"kind" either abandoning it or its mother or father. Maybe we should spay and neuter those humans....???? "

Mike R wrote on Aug 6, 2006 9:17 PM:

" Matt D. Where do you live? Please explain to me how nuetering a stray cat at the cost of $75 is cheaper than one .22 short (about 3 cents). I would also love to hear how nuetering a cat makes it less prone to reproduction than killing it does. I would really love to see your "no brainer" explanation of this one. Maybe this fuzzy math makes sense where you come from but I am still not quite so clear on it. "

Matt D. wrote on Aug 6, 2006 5:28 AM:

" TNR works. This is not open for debate. It has been tested and proven in the field, that it works. TNR has worked EVERYWHERE that it has been implemented, regardless of political spin suggesting otherwise. TNR is the ONLY humane, and effective way to solve this problem. TNR is proven to: 1. DECREASE the number of Cats that are euthanized (murdered). 2. DECREASE the number of homeless Cats (Unlike euthanasia which INCREASES the number of homeless Cats!) 3. INCREASE the amount of money that taxpayers save, because TNR PROGRAMS COST LESS THAN EUTHANASIA PROGRAMS DO! This is a no-brainer. By using TNR we SAVE LIVES, EFFECTIVELY SOLVE THE PROBLEM, and SAVE MONEY. Everybody wins! (especially the precious Cats!) TNR is the answer. In closing, I ask YOU, the people of North Dakota this question: If YOU were homeless, would you: A. Want your life saved. or B. Want your life ended. Which one, North Dakota, A or B? If you are honest, the answer is A. You would want your life saved. You'd want a chance at life, and you know darn well you would! Then do for CATS, what you would want others to do for YOU. "

Elizabeth wrote on Aug 4, 2006 3:19 PM:

" From one Elizabeth to another. I think I've read a little about your organization, and what you've done. You are to be commended. I know that you are very aware of the problems in getting something started like this, because you guys started from scratch, too (from what I remember reading). There are many people and groups all over doing a lot to help, and sharing their ideas. Thank you for sharing your comments - it's nice of Maryland to take interest in us, halfway across the country. Looks like a Californian, too. Comment to Dave Bundy: Good response to "furryferals." I think we know who the real ignoramus is here. Many people have ideas and concerns, and this is a good forum to learn some things (even if we have to discount certain comments). The reality is that these problems don't just happen - people create them, and then become angry when they are personally affected by something and want someone else to be held accountable. We all play a part - directly or indirectly. The thing that consistently hinders change or progress, no matter what you're dealing with, is attitude. "

Don P. wrote on Aug 4, 2006 1:46 PM:

" To Anne P. I know someone who is doing some of what you advocate. She is an elderly woman, and can't do much, but she has seen results. She enlisted a couple of neighbors to help, and they have seen a significant decrease in litters of kittens the last couple of years, due to their efforts from the last few years. She said that this year, she only remembers seeing one - a cat they haven't seen before, with 2 kittens. The rest of the cats they feed are altered, and have become more friendly. They've also been able to find homes for some of them. So, if an elderly woman with limited financial means, and a couple of neighbors, are seeing an impact, we should be able to do more. It doesn't have to be a huge financial burden for any one individual. And, obviously, we can only do it in steps, but that's better than saying we can'd do anything (without trying) and just keep killing them. I've seen a lot of comments on the various blogs about euthanizing being the only solution right now to the problem. If euthanizing is a solution, then why is the overpopulation still happening, since we've been killing animals for years. You'd think we'd gradually see a decrease. Since we haven't, my guess is that it's not a solution, at all. "

Mary Sue wrote on Aug 4, 2006 1:31 PM:

" Response to Carrie: I totally agree. There are so many excuses made. Yes, programs like this need money and support, and that includes veterinarians helping out. But for us to just "assume" that we can't do something that Maryland people (or other states)can, without even trying, is ridiculous. I have lived in many states throughout my lifetime, and there are similar problems all over. And, excuses, including weather being too hot (that's one I heard in the South). I've helped at shelters, with rescues, transporting animals - you name it. Problems are the same - the difference is in how willing people are try to change things. "

To Anne P wrote on Aug 4, 2006 10:35 AM:

" I commend your dedication and enthusiasm for TNR. I believe, (contrary to the spirit of most of these posts) that there are plenty of people here in ND who would be willing to help with a TNR program as long as it didn't cost them too much financially. You mentioned in one of your posts that you were fortunate enough to be able to fund your TNR colony (vets/food) but there are not that many people here who are able (or maybe more importantly, "willing") to part with such a large amount of money as this program would take here. Veterinarians in this area are not as open to low-cost/no-cost spaying and neutering as they are in other parts of the country, which is their prerogative, as they have to earn their bread and butter, too. I do periodic rescue (mostly cats and dogs) on a very small scale from my home. Currently I have a stray (not feral) mother cat and two of her kittens who are scheduled to be fixed at the veterinarians on August 7th. The veterinarian's "rescue rate" for these 3?? About $225 total (not including rabies shots - I administer the panleuk etc on my own - much cheaper), which will come out of my pocket. And that is just for THREE cats. Once they are fixed I will be able to find new homes for them (I already have 4 indoor only housecats that live in my house so I can't keep any more). I have made a commitment to myself and to the animals I rescue that I will not adopt out any of these furbabies without first getting them fixed. It costs me a fair amount, but I know that my rescues will NEVER add to the overpopulation burden. Even my daughter's pet bunny is neutered!! Unfortnately, I can't afford more than I am already doing and it isn't even scratching the surface of the surface of the problem. Without some major financial assistance, I don't see how TNR could ever be successful here. One of our area humane societies just closed down because of lack of funding. Where would one get the money to fund a program like TNR, when the community isn't able (willing?) to support a shelter that has friendly, adoptable pets? Thanks for all you do with the Maryland felines - they're very fortunate to have you! "

From Anne P. in Maryland again To Beesh and Others wrote on Aug 3, 2006 6:20 PM:

" I have to admit I don’t know much about the fighting behavior of UN-altered cats since I’ve gotten the ferals I feed fixed, which eliminates the fighting behavior. Sounds like TNR is just what you need - reduces the number of cats and eliminates the fighting behavior. And realize, the choice is really not between catching them all and getting rid of them or catching them all and neutering them. Only folks who care about the cats’ well-being are going to make the efforts it takes to catch them all, and we’re not going to do it so they can be killed. So what the TNR advocates are saying is that the options are TNR or, essentially, uncontrolled breeding forever. Some of you folks may think I’m totally illogical and irrational, but earlier the year I had to get regular police officers and then the animal control officer involved when a tenant decided she didn’t like what I was doing and put out poison for the cats I feed. The police told her she could be arrested for it and the animal control officer told her it was better for everyone for me to be there doing what I was doing (because I’m doing the altering and vaccinating as well). His full time job is animals – he should know better than anyone else!!! As for the post from “Beesh”, I can’t help you regarding the job you’re looking for since I’m mostly familiar with Maryland and here those activities would be a felony punishable by up to three years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine. "

to kim wrote on Aug 3, 2006 12:33 PM:

" You should really get out of your own back yard for a change. You might learn something. Yes I have been to MD in January. If you think your winters compare to the average winter here in ND you would be wrong. Why is it that since you have "worked" with feral cats you know more then the person here that works with them? Try to be a little more educated before making assumptions about ND's weather and feral cat problems. You still have not answered the question about the failure of TNR in Michigan. "

My neighbor wrote on Aug 3, 2006 11:54 AM:

" My neighbor has cats and they leash them when they are outside. They have a right to responsibly let thier cats outside. Thier cats enjoy laying in the grass-not terrorizing like the feral ones roaming the neighborhood. The question from Kim about "If your pet cat did get killed by any wild animal what is it doing outside in the first place?" Why should a responsible pet owner who has thier cat vaccinated, spayed, and leashed have to worry about the diseases of feral cats and have to keep them indoors? They shouldn't! And they shouldn't have to put out extra food for the feral cats either-they didn't choose for the "poor" cats to be born either! "

Christy wrote on Aug 3, 2006 10:08 AM:

" There does seem to be an awful lot of people who think it's ok to let their cats have free roam of the neighborhood, maybe if cat owners would be a little more responsible this wouldn't be such a problem, as I don't believe that all of these nuisance cats are abandoned and without owners. My neighbors cats are constantly in our yard, and if our garage is open they go in there and relieve themselves and stink up the place. I would imagine there would be a big uproar if I let my dog wander over to their house and do the same thing. I also think people need to really consider what they are getting themselves into before they get a pet, that way those who can't handle the extra work and responsibility won't end up contributing to the ever increasing feral cat population. It is sad when you have to harm the cats because of others incompetency, but I agree that catching them all and neutering them is rediculous. "

Beesh wrote on Aug 3, 2006 8:54 AM:

" To Annie P, hey how can I get a job killing feral cats? I have a pickup truck, rope, leather gloves and a burlap bag with a rock in it. I can go buy a .22 rifle and a big garbage can to throw them in. I had a pet mauled by a vicious feral cat right before my eyes. They'll never find where I buried its shovel-battered body! If they are that mean just roaming around, I can about imagine how violent they'd be when captured for TNR. Nothing worse than a ticked off sterile alley cat. Oh, and they are mean, just go in the alley behind any restaurant. "

Sounds Like China to me wrote on Aug 3, 2006 7:36 AM:

" The entire idea of shooting feral cats sounds too much like the Chinese government going out and killing 50,000 dogs in one county to eliminate the spread of rabies. Some dogs were beaten to death in front of their owners, whether the dogs had been vaccinated or not. Shooting feral cats--choose your theme song: either "Dualing Banjos" or the national anthem of communist China. "

kim wrote on Aug 2, 2006 7:51 PM:

" ps I do Have feral cats as pets. "

kim wrote on Aug 2, 2006 7:44 PM:

" To the people who wrote to me, Sorry but we in MD do get severe winters here, my question to you is have you ever been here? and no your feral cats are not different from ours, and sorry but, I know of no feral cat who has killed a pet cat. Second, I'm sure while you who has a dog and cats don't have the money to pay for altering a feral cat, there are people that do.How would you know about feral cats behavior have you ever worked with them? They are not "Nasty" feral creatures.Further more, all wild animals carry diseases that can kill your cats and dogs. If you truely paid over $100 to get your dog fixed then you got ripped off.If your pet cat did get killed by any wild animal what is it doing outside in the first place? You are grasping at straws trying to come up with any thing you can to condemn TNR, but the fact is you have nothing in this forum to convince me that you are correct. "

Anne P. from Maryland again wrote on Aug 2, 2006 2:01 PM:

" The reason a newspaper in ND got a letter from someone in MD is that the founder of Alley Cat Allies and her staff and supporters are doing the same thing that people in many other fields of endeavor are doing: having recognized what they believe to be a best practice, they're educating people and advocating for it. I don't think anybody expects overnight change anywhere, much less everywhere. There are thousands and thousands of feral cats killed by animal control every year in this country; the folks doing TNR value every one of those cats' lives and we are trying to do what we can to reduce this tragedy over time. TNR is going on in almost every state in this country; I know this from checking out Alley Cat Allies' "Feral Friends Network" which lists resources by state (ND, SD and AK being the only states that don't have a list). I am fortunate to live in a more affluent area and to personally be able to fund TNR and feeding out of my own pocket. In my experience, many of the people who do TNR are maxed out financially with all the rescued cats they've adopted plus the feral cat colonies they feed, and they rely at least partially on funding from animal welfare organizations to pay for the altering. This is where we could really use some help from animal control, if they would only recognize that the money spent on altering feral cats saves even more money down the line in avoided euthanization. In my county, when a person calls the animal control shelter (or Humane society which runs it) about a feral pregnant or nursing cat with kittens in their yard, the only option they hear about is to have it/them come into the shelter where they will most likely be killed. This is despite the fact that we have a number of folks in this county who are willing to go out and do trapping with their own traps on their own time in order to save the cats' lives. Some of these folks who are calling would be willing to feed the cats but they don't know how to stop the reproducing, that's the problem they are trying to solve. This is another change we'd like to see with Animal Control - a willingness to inform people that TNR is an option. "

To rae: wrote on Aug 2, 2006 1:27 PM:

" If Ms. Parawski wasn't trying to equate what they do in Maryland with what we do in ND, she should not have put a letter to the editor into the BISMARCK (ND) TRIBUNE, for cryin' out loud! Your comment states, "you need the drug, needles, traps, catchpoles, leather gloves (depending on the animals disposition), and expierienced staff to carry out the procedures" The euthanasia drug is cheap, as are syringes - the other items would be multi-use (meaning you could reuse them over and over until you recoup the cost) Also, if you need experienced staff to carry out the procedure (euthanasia) - I would assume you'd need even MORE experienced staff to anesthetize the animal for surgery if you were going to go the TNR route. I used to work at a shelter, too, and we euthanized lots of feral cats - NEVER had anyone poke themselves with the needle. Also, marking a tnr'd cat with a ear tip removal is kind of a mute point here in ND since most feral/stray/wild cats lose most of their ears during the winters due to frostbite. It'd be hard to tell which cats had been fixed (unless they were males, of course, then there'd be external clues if you could get close enough to tell!) I'd say if a group wanted to get together to do TNR services anywhere in ND - more power to them, but I'm afraid there aren't enough people with a surplus or time or money to make a program like this a success in this part of the country. "

Cats wrote on Aug 2, 2006 12:55 PM:

" I have also become frustrated with cats running all over, with or without owners. My feeling is it is not the cats problem they are homeless it is mindless people who think when they get tired of a pet they can discard it. It is these discarded pets who have to live and survive in our "human" world as they are tortured, starving and abandoned. Anything to help decrease more of these animals should at least be given a chance. Maybe they should ask Exxon for a handout to supply the money for this...at least we know they have the profit to cover it! --again it is not the pets fault they are dumped..i'm sure they would rather have a loving family..some empathy is not a bad thing--- "

rae wrote on Aug 2, 2006 12:32 PM:

" ok i used to work at an animal shelter and we would do spay and neuters for $45 people and we even do tnr with feral cats that live on the shelter compound.we also make it know that they have been tnr-ed by cutting the tip off their left ear(alittle mean but permanent and distinctive). and while a feral cat may not attack your cat and kill it, they harbor many diseases that could kill your cat...but that is why you shouldn't have outdoor cats. euthnasia doesn't provide a solution...when ms.parawski says "more cats just replace the ones killed unless you do something to stop the breeding. " i think shes trying to explain that you could kill off a whole colony of feral cats and another different colony will move in not because of thier desire to replace the deceased cats but because there is something in that area that provides for suitable living space like a plentiful food source, if you were to tnr those cats chances are you aren't going to have the cat population grow in that area because cats that have established a colony don't usually allow other cats into their colony or their territory. and euthanasia is not a cheap as one would think...you need the drug, needles, traps, catchpoles, leather gloves (depending on the animals disposition), and expierienced staff to carry out the procedures( these injections are serious stuff people it can kill us too and if your get this stuff in you, even if it's just a little poke the site of injection will become very painful and then become numb for a week or so, and yes i have seen employees rushed to the hospital because they lost control of the animal that was to be euthanized and accidentally injected themselves), you then need to deal with the storage and disposal of the bodies(i.e. you need to pay someone to come get them). Basically both ways cost money and nothing is going to happen overnight these things take time.......oh yeah how did you pyschos get into this "ND" crap? who gives a crap about north dakota anyways...it's not like you people matter, "boo hoo your not from ND so you don't know" whatever get over yourselves, the article had nothing to do with your state...alley cat allies is a program that runs in MARYLAND...ms.parawski stated she is from bethesda, md so for all you know what shes talking about probibly doesn't apply to ND, animal control laws very from state to state and county to county...and to all of you who are saying you should just go shoot the cats, i don't know how you people do it in idiotville but the last time i checked it was illegal to walk down the street and shoot things...but by all means you should definately try i'm sure it will work out wonderfully for you "

Response to Carrie wrote on Aug 2, 2006 8:22 AM:

" REREAD THE PARAGRAPH FROM 'TO ALL NON ND RESIDENTS' - it says nothing about people outside of ND not knowing about feral cats so you 'get real'. I have lived in many other states all over the nation and have volunteered for animal shelters AND have participated in animal rescue AND foster programs. The TNR program is a great program, when and only when you have the VOLUNTEERS to do what needs to be done - this includes the green backs. So don't gripe to me about how intelligent you think you are, get off your high horse. Any program, that requires volunteers making these types of commitments is not as successful in ND, one big factor MONEY. When the good paying job of 10-12 dollars an hour is supposed to support a family, I don't hardly think there's extra money laying around for people to throw at fixing cats, not to be mean here, just being realistic. And as far as extra time goes, that's for the second job people have. MY POINT IS THIS - if the volunteers and the donations are so abundant why did the Pet Connection close??? Only a few comments were made about the cats not being a problem, and not harming pets/children, which is obviously a regional issue. TO RESPONSE TO ANNE P. - read my post - it's not about education of the people and paying attention to the rest of the world - it's all about time and money, UNFORTUNATLEY!!!! And as far as other states being more animal-friendly, write your governemtnt. I agree with the fact that as a renter you are VERY limited in finding a place that allows A cat or dog, but on the other hand, if you owned an apartment building and leased it for 6 months to a tenant, they had a cat, not fixed, let it spray all over, wreck the carpet and scratch the walls, doors, and then you had to fix these things after 95% of the animal owning tenants left, how willing would you be to allow pets? Just playing the devils advocate here........ "

Response to Anne P. wrote on Aug 1, 2006 7:02 PM:

" I'm from ND, still live here, and know people who are already doing this in ND, and it does work. So, any "theories" about why it wouldn't work in ND are based on ignorance, and nothing more. It's an attitude of pretending that there is a legitimate reason for the problem, to begin with, and not really looking beyond that. If anything, if we in ND would wise up and stop viewing animals as commodities, and be more responsible about things like spay/neuter, we could do a lot toward solving the problem. People who are involved in animal welfare, and have actually made efforts to do something about this problem, have seen results. "

Against Euthanasia wrote on Aug 1, 2006 6:54 PM:

" If euthanasia is the way to go, why hasn't the pet overpopulation decreased? "

Carrie wrote on Aug 1, 2006 6:51 PM:

" Response to person who thinks no one outside of ND understands this feral cat problem. Get real! This problem is occurring all over the country, and other parts of the world - there are stupid people all over, and I'm sure these people know that. I live in ND, and have my entire life, but I try to educate myself on what is going on elsewhere. I know that there are other options, outside of 19th century techniques, that can be tried here. Do you pay attention to what's going on in the rest of the world, or do you really think that ND is another world, and has unique problems that no one else can possibly understand? Other states are more animal-friendly than ND, and therefore, allow more pets in apartments, etc. It makes sense that they would see as many or more problems as we do, and even have a higher volume of animals to deal with. And you wonder why people think we're backward? Unbelievable! "

Anne P. from Maryland wrote on Aug 1, 2006 5:29 PM:

" Good grief! I just have to respond with what I know based on my own experience. First, TNR can be cheaper for the TAXPAYER on an INDIVIDUAL CAT BASIS than having the local animal control do euthanasia because the work is done by volunteers. With animal control, you have the cost of salaries, vehicles, equipment and office space for the officers. In addition, the captured cat usually has to remain in the shelter for some period of time to allow a potential owner time to retrieve it. Then you have the cost of disposing the body. With TNR, the equipment, transport and veterinary-related costs are usually covered by volunteers or an animal rescue organization. More importantly, because the volunteer is motivated by an interest in the health and well-being of the animals, he or she will invest more time in trapping than is feasible for animal control in order to get all cats in the colony altered. This is the why TNR is more effective in reducing feral cat populations than euthanizing in the long run. For example, I have been working on an apartment complex where about 75 cats have been TNR-ed over the past few years (mostly at my expense). There was one litter this year, and now only two male cats remain un-neutered. I invested 16 hours in trapping to get one of the last females, whereas animal control could never invest this kind of time to trap 100% of the females. The cats are healthy and happy, because they are provided with fresh food and water every day, as well as shelters and veterinary care if injured. They don’t go into the garbage because they don’t need to. I can’t speak to whether or not it’s feasible to provide adequate shelter in ND, but I’m sure that in many parts of the country it is. Yes, this costs a lot of money but it’s MY money and I spend it that way because it gives me peace of mind to know that these animals, whom I care about, have the best life possible given that they are feral (i.e., unadoptable). And the county taxpayer is no longer paying for the euthanasia of kittens from this complex. "

cougar wrote on Aug 1, 2006 2:52 PM:

" No one likes seeing any type of animal run over or starving to death but that is always going to happen. We do not need to increase the death toll of animals by euthanizing them on top of this. The TNR program can work if given a chance. I am from ND, I am not a hick, inhumane, or gun happy, but many of you on this page, whether you are "just kidding" or not, are giving substance to these sterotypes. "

TO ALL NON ND RESIDENTS wrote on Aug 1, 2006 2:00 PM:

" The responses to this article had me lol!! There is a sense of scarcism in a LOT of the responses, but at the same time, you do not understand the issue of feral cats in ND..... you do not live here.... you do not know what our communities are like....you do not know what are weather is like - PERIOD. I like cats, and I like dogs - as pets and pets only. I do not like to see them ran over or starving to death, or flat out unhealthy, as many people don't, but unfortunately, that is the way it is, and the TNR program would not be effective here, get over it, take care of your own community, and don't push your URBAN ideals on us, it's not the same. For wanting a state such as ours to adapt your program, you sure have a funny way of trying to pursuade us ... (hicks, uneducated, inhumane, gun happy, and on and on). Thanks for caring, but realize that what may work in your area will not here. "

Rebecca wrote on Aug 1, 2006 1:51 PM:

" I would just like to point out to those of you who are horrified by the cat killing jokes. Maybe they seem inappropiate, but it is just ND humor. If it were an indication of the kind of people we actually are here, we wouldn't have one of the lowest crime rates in the nation and I wouldn't have been complimented so many times by out-of-towners how nice and personable everyone in ND is. (I worked in tourism for 4 years, so I've met a lot of out-of-towners). Please don't judge us because if our humor, strange and inappropriate as it may seem. We just come from a place where we don't worry about offending people because most people here are too good hearted to take humor personally. Maybe it sounds like an excuse, but its merely a cultural difference. And I have never seen or heard of a person in all my life here who actually runs around killing or torturing feral cats. "

to :"To non-ND residents" wrote on Aug 1, 2006 10:51 AM:

" This forum is about neutering feral cats as opposed to killing them, it's not about homeless people, let's stick to the subject at hand. The fact of the matter is that it is inhumane to kill cats. The people who care about animals will donate to the cause and you can do what you want with your money or lack there of. I am from ND and am dismayed at the large support of killing a species of animal. I also welcome the views of other states, they make some excellent points and are right on. "

To non-ND residents wrote on Aug 1, 2006 9:53 AM:

" Maybe your communities should take the money spent on feral cat programs and do something about the homeless problem, or the inner city gang problem, or the domestic violence problem. Some of you accuse us of not caring about cats or caring more about dogs than cats. I think you care more about feral cats than humans. Now that's sad. Money is an important factor in this issue. I cannot afford to care for wild animals. If I have money to spare, I would much rather donate to a worthy cause. Please keep your high horse out of our community, unless you plan to ride in and fund the program yourself. "

To ks1119 wrote on Aug 1, 2006 9:01 AM:

" You forgot to mention that here in ND we don't have even close to a quarter of the problem of homeless, ownerless dogs as our problem with feral cats. Therefore, when you get bitten by a dog here, 9 times out of 10, there is an owner to cover the costs/sue. When it is a homeless cat, there is noone to claim them and any problems they might cause. Again, as many other posts say, come and visit before you judge. You have no idea what kind of problems we have. Or I guess you could be like everyone else in the country and compare us to the actors on the movie Fargo. "

ks1119 wrote on Aug 1, 2006 1:20 AM:

" boy, all the cat killing jokes...you guys in ND are just too funny ! something about intelligence, goodness of character that you guys are uncomfortable with--or is it feminity and independence that cats represent??? but since every single one of you refers to cost cost cost cost cost--- of spaying versus killing, in such a wide array of intellectual ways to mention, let me give you my idea--you'll like it, since, it's obvious if you read between the lines, you are all dog men---its like this: lets take the cost of capturing, and sheltering every feral cat in the whole USA. Guess what--it's less than the cost the rest of the country is paying [through our medical insurance and homeowners insurance payments] to cover the cost of dog attacks--really--its in the billions all of us pay to cover the cost of the 5 million dog maulings every year--oh, and did we mention homeless cats killing pet cats--get real! There are 40 million cats in the country--3-4 billion dollars a year--again, that's what dogs are costing all of us--would provide sanctuary care for all the ferals in the country---so there, go get your calculator, you brilliant, insightful, intellectual, mathematician cat haters. "

Dog Man wrote on Jul 31, 2006 4:37 PM:

" If they die,they die. Cats serve no real purpose anyway. They smell up house's and are the cause for a lot of health problems for unsuspecting humans. I say get rid of all of them, our state would be better off. "

To kim wrote on Jul 31, 2006 9:46 AM:

" Have you ever been here? There is no way that MD gets as cold as it does here on a regular basis. I have friends that have lived there and laugh at you because when you get an inch of snow everything is closed down. It is not just one day here, one day there that it is 20 below zero with a windchill of 60 below. This lasts almost the entire month of January and even into February sometimes. And there are a lot of dead cats around here after winter. We have to pick them up all the time. And if they don't die, they are frostbitten and loose ears and tips of tails/toes. Not only that, but have you ever considered that maybe our feral cats are different than yours? All states are different and all regions of the US are different. The people are different too. We don't have real gangs and we have a very low crime rate compared to your state. Our feral cats are not living downtown in a big city. Most of them live in a semi-rural area where the only food source is field mice. And yes they do attack family pets!! Also, when I got my dog neutered, it cost me almost $100 and the vet I went to is known for having lower prices in the area. Would you like to refund me the $55? Prices couldn't possibly vary that much between regions, or could they? So I guess you have a couple choices: 1) you can move here and take care of all of these cats (By the way, have you ever met a true "farm cat"? As in inbred four times over, half of them can't even meow, and you can't get near them with a 10 foot pole? That is what our feral cats are like)or 2) you can pay to have them all trapped and shipped there so you can take care of them. Yes, we do have cat lovers here, but obviously even they don't have the time or money to invest into such a crazy idea or it would have happened a long time ago. "

To Kim in MD wrote on Jul 30, 2006 11:49 AM:

" I lived on the east coast (metro DC). Maryland does not get severe winters like ND does. Have you been here? Also, $45 doesn't seem like a lot of money, but who will pay the $45? Will you? Who will "keep track" of these animals and make sure they are okay? Are you moving to ND to become the great cat monitor? I have 2 dogs and 3 kids, work and go to college. I don't have time to care for feral beasts. I also don't have extra money lying around to pay for their neutering and other care. I feel badly about people losing their pets. I don't feel badly about getting rid of nasty feral beasts who create a nuisance. Most of these cats are not first generation feral cats. The feral cats have been breeding for a long time. You wouldn't want one as a pet. And yes, feral cats can kill pets. "

kim wrote on Jul 29, 2006 10:50 PM:

" Excuse me, but I am from maryland I also have fed and taken in feral cats. Having done this for 20 count em 20 years , I have never seen feral cats attack and kill pet cats in fact my out door cats can pretty much take care of them selves.As for the cat hating wackos who seem to take delight in this sort of nonsensical BS ,sorry but y'all are hicks.Further more the winters here in md can get pretty darn severe but the cats seem to survive if they didnt you would'nt have so many of the cat hate croud jumping on the band wagon.Also how is it that the person who wrote in euthanasia solution only costs 10 or 15 cents per cc and also how would they know how much it takes to kill a cat? shelter experience I suppose. By the way I know a vet who will spay/neuter cats for $45 shots included.That's not expensive at all. So dont say no one will pay for it. as for how inhumane releasing cats is and tnr doesnt work blah blah blah,well the reason you have feral cats is because of people who get cats and dont have them fixed in the first place and wanna bet these are the same people claiming cat as nusence? people please get your pets fixed and than we wont have to have these stupid idiots coming on here quoting chapter rhyme and verse the cat nusence argument. "

Jimbo wrote on Jul 28, 2006 8:54 PM:

" Deneutering cats won't stop them from running free! And if you are asleep, they can sneak in and suck your breath away! "

No... wrote on Jul 28, 2006 5:59 PM:

" to Responsible guardians=safe animals: What exactly are you talking about? Supporters of the spay/neuter cause wouldn't dream of animal haters donating money. We are just trying to get through to you people that killing is not the answer. The humane people who care about the value of a life will help support the cause, so we are asking nothing of you personally. "

To Susan wrote on Jul 28, 2006 5:09 PM:

" The way we treat cats is the way we treat people? So would you prefer us to take in homeless people and sterilize them? After all, that is the way you would treat cats, so is that your solution to poverty in humans? Leave the cats alone. "

Responsible guardians=safe animals wrote on Jul 28, 2006 4:29 PM:

" When an animal has a responsible guardian (caretaker, owner, steward), that animal has the luxury of being kept as safe as possible on this wild ride. An un-owned, feral animal does not usually have that luxury of one-on-one care. They also tend to annoy MOST humans by whom they live (by urinating or defecating where they are not wanted - killing songbirds - ripping up trash bags - attacking family pets, terrorizing children, etc.) The HUGE difference is that if Beesh's dog (or any "owned" pet) commits one of the above named acts, Beesh (or other responsible owner) most likely will be considered responsible one way or another (cleaning up the strewn trash, picking up bird carcasses or doo-doo, paying for medical care for anything or anyone his/her pet attacks.) Feral cats have no one to be responsible for them - with the exception of the soft-hearted humans who wail "don't kill them - they don't deserve it" OKAY - then these same humans who are so anti-euthanasia should be the ones responsible for paying for the spay/neuters/shots/medical attention/food/misc care and damage caused by these feral cats. Believe it or not, some humans just don't care for animals - they don't have pets of their own and never will. These people should not be required to be responsible for the lifetime care and upkeep of the feral animals that roam the streets and most of whom will never have (or even WANT) to have a real home. There's the difference! "

James wrote on Jul 28, 2006 4:13 PM:

" To all of you did you not know that cash grows on trees? Well it does not. I pay enough for taxes. If you want to know how much there is a $50.00 service fee non refundable. “I was SNIPPED by the local shelter"!" idea is great. If there was a easy way to find out what cats have been “fixed” that would allow a more efficient way of telling besides cutting off a ear I can not think of any cheap way of doing this. I do not know how much one of those cost but I am sure it is not cheap. What happens in 11 years when those cats die off? Have you gotten ALL of them? Why will other cats not take their place? I do not know who said “full of holes” (I am not looking it up either) but they are correct. It is not very nice to get these animals to run free and feed them on someone’s dime. You know I think PETA or Sierra Club (not the bullet smiths) should foot the bill. They are all about helping the critters so they should pay. They have deep pockets. All of you who think it is wrong to kill these critters please give us some cash to help out. We could really put it to good use. Honestly we could. Also come up here and visit. "

KillaCat4Jesus wrote on Jul 28, 2006 4:11 PM:

" Dad said it was OK. With all the prairie dogs he hasn't had time to smite the pesky critters. "

No... wrote on Jul 28, 2006 4:00 PM:

" Actually there is not a HUGE difference. Just because an animal doesn't belong to a person, doesn't mean it deserves to be killed. God didn't create animals to be owned by man. He created them to thrive on the earth and LIVE in harmony with man. God did not give cats or animals LIFE in order to be killed for no reason. "

To then how about this wrote on Jul 28, 2006 2:45 PM:

" The earth may not belong to Beesh's dog, but Beesh's dog belongs to Beesh. The cats that this article references are ownerless, feral animals. There's a HUGE difference! "

then how about this wrote on Jul 28, 2006 11:51 AM:

" to Beesh- Your dog will never be able to pay taxes or mow the lawn. So according to you the earth doesn't belong to him and we should euthanize him. Your pick, lethal injection or shotgun? "

Beesh wrote on Jul 28, 2006 10:36 AM:

" to KiKi's mom. If the earth belongs to all living creatures, when is my dog going to start paying taxes and get to mowing the yard? A shot of juice to euthanize a cat does NOT cost more than rounding up, neutering or spaying and giving them a proper hairsyle before releasing them again. The cost of rounding up cats to kill is a moot point. The cats are usually brought in by citizens sick of their constant meowlling at night, the pudgnant stench of their urine in our dying flowerbeds or the sight of their mangy carcasses begging for food. The cost to neurter them would then also include the cost of paying some flunky to drive around and pick up cats. Also, the catch and release theory is full of holes. If they are dead, you won't be picking them up again, but if their neutered they will be recaptured and let go after checking them for past neuterings. Hey maybe you can put a cute little shirt on them that says "I was SNIPPED by the local shelter"! "

To Vik wrote on Jul 28, 2006 8:42 AM:

" Your condescending comment to RAL says, "You release the cats back into the wild where they will fend for themselves." and that RAL should READ the article... The article states, "Cats are returned to their familiar habitat to live under the watchful care of volunteer caregivers." and another post here from Susan reads, "Trap Neuter Return does not mean the cats are fixed and then abandoned. TNR means volunteer caregivers daily monitor, and feed the cats, and provide winter shelters." RAL's arguments are legitimate. It is expensive to feed and shelter a feral cat colony and according to the author of the TNR letter to the editor, the cats are not left to "fend for themselves", but cared for after their release. This is a proposition that requires very dedicated volunteers who will agree to care for the colony for a long, long time or until other dedicated volunteers can be located so the colony is not abandoned. Besides the obvious roadblock of finding funding to spay and neuter all these ownerless animals, it may be difficult to find an adequate number of qualified, dependable and dedicated volunteers to look after the feral cat colonies (which will undoubtedly come up with a litter or two - or three - every year from the wily adults who can't be caught to be fixed in the first place) TNR sounds like a money pit. "

KillaCat4Jesus wrote on Jul 28, 2006 8:40 AM:

" I had a cat spayed recently and it cost $86. If you guys/gals pay for the next 10 I'll get my gloves and go wrangle some up. What kind of lasoo do you use for cat wrangling? "

RAL wrote on Jul 28, 2006 8:01 AM:

" To Vik: I can READ and I can UNDERSTAND!! Release the cats back into the wild so they can fend for themselves--hmmm--like raiding dumpsters and ripping open trash bags and spewing the contents all over the place. The cats in my town are "feral cats". They didn't come from any household around here. They do not look like your common ordinary housecat. These cats suffer in our extreme winter conditions. Now, you READ my statement towards the end of my post as to why anybody would want to subject these cats to our deadly winter conditions. I am done posting on this subject! It looks to me like you cannot make these "cat huggers" understand the bottom line. The bottom line is, WHO IS GOING TO PAY FOR NUETERING THESE CATS? There are, most likely, millions of stray cats in the United States. In that last sentence I said "stray cats" instead of "feral cats". I bet somebody is going to jump on me for that!! You all have a good day. "

Vik wrote on Jul 28, 2006 3:39 AM:

" To the guy who lives in a town of fifteen and whose town is overrun with cats: PLEASE READ THE ARTICLE. Same goes for all of you who are so overrun with cats you can't afford to feed them! READ. You are human and can read and learn, right? Please do so! You release the cats back into the wild where they will fend for themselves. Your feral cats aren't inbred so much they are sickly. Feral cats are often smaller than housecats, thinner and scraggly from living in the outdoors. Don't expect feral cats to look like your pets. They're wild. The article outlines a solution to the problem, and it's been proven that this works. It's not a flight of fancy, and nothing you should dismiss because you have a lot of feral cats. You likely have so many feral cats because a few people decided it was okay not to have their cat spayed or neutered. They didn't want to hurt fluffy by having him neutered, oh my. Or, they wanted Fluffina to experience the joys of motherhood, oh, at least ONCE. Then they didn't bother to have her spayed after that, either. It's because of human stupidity and ignorance that this problem exists. Please be helpful and do something about the problem. It's finally a workable solution, there are no excuses not to do this and help out. If you can't get involved then at least make a donation locally. Thanks. "

RAL wrote on Jul 27, 2006 8:25 PM:

" I live in a small town in North Dakota with a population of 15. Yes, you read it right, 15 people. We also have 4 to 5 times as many cats in town as we do people. They are so inbred and susceptible to disease that they don't live long. I find dead cats around town very often. I especially find dead cats after our winters. Let me add a little more information on our winters to you sun belt people. The winter of 1996-97 was a humdinger. In the area that I live in we had 10+ FEET of snow by winter's end. We had one blizzard after another with 40 to 60 mph winds, temperatures in the -30° to -40° range that brought the wind chill down close to the -100° mark. During these storms you have complete whiteout conditions where you cannot see your hand in front of your face. Farmers and ranchers had a terrible time keeping their livestock fed and cared for. This does not happen every winter in North Dakota but it certainly is not an uncommon event. Our winters have been fairly mild for several years. Yes, we are going to be 100 above or better for the next few days but are winters can be drastic and very deadly. Some of our blizzards last several days or more. My question is this, why would you want to subject these cats to a certain death in our type of climate. Susan said that volunteers would care for these cats. Do you realize how much it will cost to feed even ten cats in the winter time in North Dakota. Population control is the answer but the Trap-Nueter-Return propaganda that Susan is promoting is not going to work. The grim truth is that one way or another these cats have to have an end put to their life. Like it or not people, that is the only thing that will work. You all have a nice day. "

KillaCat4Jesus wrote on Jul 27, 2006 3:42 PM:

" If only we could use cats to make electricity. Then people in CA wouldn't have such an energy crisis. "

AirIntake wrote on Jul 27, 2006 3:40 PM:

" Wow......just wow.. I'm from a place far more remote than anywhere in ND, and people around here don't live to shoot everything in sight. You like shooting? Play paintball. "

StefanZ wrote on Jul 27, 2006 3:29 PM:

" Yes, good TNR är excellent solution if you have many homeless cats but limited resources. To limit the amount of strays: Important all cats not used in breeding should be neutered/spayed. Very important cats arent abandoned/dumped; ie it should be forbidden and punished to dump a cat or doing cats ill... "

Asking Susan: wrote on Jul 27, 2006 1:45 PM:

" Considering we all hate cats here, where are we going to find volunteers to take them in? Seriously though-the cat problem here is bad. But maybe you should read some other recent stories in this paper. There aren't enough people willing to volunteer here. We recently had to relocate I belive it was over 200 cats from our local humane society that went unadopted even as the shelter doors closed. Now, the city of Bismarck is stuck with trying to figure out what to do with the animals they impound because people are willing to tell them not to kill them, but they are not volunteering time or money to take care of them. If you would like us to ship them to you and your friends so you can take care of them, I'm sure that could be arranged. Also, the fact remains that in our state, hunting and fishing are the most enjoyed activities of most that live here. When hunting, you can get a furbearer's license so you can shoot cute little rabbits and such so most of us do not view shooting things the same way you do. In fact, we probably see using a rifle to hunt as commonplace as your gangs in California see using guns to kill each other. Many of us have seen feral cat attacks like the one previously mentioned and as a result we do not like stray cats around here. We are not serial killers for joking around--as another post said: come visit our state, it's a whole other world compared to California. As sad as it may seem, the fact remains that we just do not have the people that you do willing to participate in something like this at thier own free will. "

James wrote on Jul 27, 2006 1:34 PM:

" Many of you bring up good points. What we should do is nothing. Stop collecting them for any reason and nature will sort this out. We here in ND may not have all the answers and California sure as heck does not. (I lived there for 4 years and it was not all peaches and cream) As far as Florida goes you have your own tag on fark.com so you can draw your own conclusions. These comments have to be taken with a grain of salt. Sure you have some crazy people posting what they want. EVERY state has them and most here are just people wanting to vent. It is better to rant here than doing something that would actually hurt someone. We are not blood thirsty killers we do hunt, fish, shoot Prairie Dogs for fun, grill as a counter protest to PETA. Over all we are a very nice group of people. To everyone out of state I honestly think if you came here and visited with us it would change your mind about us, but you are probably too set in your ways to come here. I guess it is your loss. ND is not every where else what does not work there may or may not work here. We have to try out things for our self some may not be right where others that DO NOT work else where work here. Thank you for your time. "

To Wayne G wrote on Jul 27, 2006 1:28 PM:

" You forgot one really great benefit of feral cats. When they die during the winter, they make great weapons. They are called "freeze cats." Expert freeze cat throwers can hit a person from 30 yards. It's a good home protection system. "

To Susan wrote on Jul 27, 2006 1:20 PM:

" I can't believe how judgmental you are about ND. You equate the people of ND with views different than yours as serial killers and uneducated hicks. I don't think you want to compare statistics between our states, i.e. crime rates and education levels per capita. I lived in the SW for many years and in general found most people there lacking in common sense. Feral cats are wild. Try getting out of the city and learn about wild animals. Because a cat has been fixed doesn't change their eating habits. Wayne G made a good point. Cats are very effective hunters. Areas with an over population of cats have an alarming decreased population of song birds. Look into some of the data from Michigan. Song bird population in areas have been devastated. They tried your TNR and it has not been working and they had to revert back to euthanasia. Think with your head not your heart. "

if you want cats come get them! wrote on Jul 27, 2006 12:53 PM:

" For all of you people that think killing feral cats is cruel and unsual punishment, why don't you all just come to any of the subdivisions around Bismarck. The one's just inside the 4-mile territory. I know for a fact that there are bunchs of them down on South Washington Street by General Sibley Park. I have for years had to deal with an irresponsible neighbor who insits that her cats are "strays". Though she feeds them and lets them live in a broken down shed in her yard. Last count there were about 30 down there. None immunized, or fixed. I can't do anything to them, but they can crap in my kids sandbox, tear apart my gardens and flowers, destroy my trees, kill birds, turkeys, squirrels, and rabbits and leave the dead bodies in my yard. They have attacked and killed our cat - saw them do it in my driveway - and couldn't get to them before they killed our cat. I have children that are terrified to be left out in their own yard by themselves for fear of the cats hurting them. When I talk with the County, I am told, there is nothing that can be done. I can't harm them, I can't trap them, no one will take them. So they get to do what they want and me and my neighbors are held hostage by these feral cats. If I could, I would kill every one of them and then jail their owner for being so irresponsible. If she admitted that they were hers, something could be done legally, but since she won't we are stuck with them. I find it crazy that the cats are protected, but the HUMANS in that area that are not. I was told in order for something to be done, one of them has to actually harm either myself or my family. Is that nuts or what? Burleigh county needs to come up with some sort of ruling on animals in these surrounding areas in Bismarck. I can see having lots of cats when you live on a farm to decrease the mouse population, but when you live 1 mile out of Bismrack, doesn't seem to be that much of a need. Buy a mousetrap! So if someone wants a cat - why don't you come down south an grab one. There's lots to chose from! Granted they might bite you and attack your family pet. But hey - there good and shouldn't be hurt right?! "

sheesh wrote on Jul 27, 2006 12:33 PM:

" Susan and other out-of-staters: I've lived in ND for 31 years. I'm a vegetarian and animal rights activist and have ND friends who follow the same lifestyle. The comments on this article do not accurately depict the state of North Dakota as a whole. There are many people here with morals, a conscience and the ability to think logically. "

Susan wrote on Jul 27, 2006 11:42 AM:

" It is not inhumane to fix and release cats into any area, including one that reaches 20 below. North Dakota's cat situation is no different than in any other state or country. Trap Neuter Return does not mean the cats are fixed and then abandoned. TNR means volunteer caregivers daily monitor, and feed the cats, and provide winter shelters. If you would educate yourselves on TNR, you would not jump to such silly conclusions. Trap and kill has been the method used for over 50 years, and it led to a massive increase in feral cats populations nationwide. This is because of something called the vaccuum effect. When cats are trapped and removed and do not return, other cats in the area notice this, and become extra trap shy and people shy. They make sure noone ever even sights them. And they reproduce prolifically, increasing the population to even higher levels than before the killings in just one year. Feral cats learn to trust their caregivers and therefor all the cats in a certain area are much more likely to be prevented from breeding by the TNR caregiver than by the people who seek to kill them. Thus, killing cats increases cats populations, and feeding and fixing cats decreases populations. It is counter-intuitive, but true. In almost every state, it is illegal to harm or kill any cat, including feral cats. North Dakota is behind the rest of the nation in this respect, and this fact definitely needed to be brought up to your senator. As I was on the verge of purchasing his book, it was a perfect opportunity to contact him. As for differences in humor, this is true. But it is rare to equate sadism with humor. According to the FBI, all serial killers began there careers by cruelty to animals, and in particular cruelty to cats. Cats are similar to humans because they are independent and do not follow orders unless they feel it is in their interest to do so. People who can't tolerate cats, also can't tolerate people. You can measure a person's moral progress in general by their attitudes towards cats. And you can measure a society's moral progress by the protection, or lack thereof, of cats. All of the people in North Dakota are responsible for not having legal protections for cats in North Dakota law. You have not bothered to change this situation. By not working to change it, you give your consent to the status quo. "

Wayne G wrote on Jul 27, 2006 11:06 AM:

" Cats serve as a benefit to the community. They catch and kill mice, rats, gophers, rabbits etc. My cats use to run and it was unreal how many rodents they would come home with weekly not to include the ones we never saw because they couldn’t get them home. It wasn't that they needed food - they are just great hunters. We started tying up our cats and it wasn’t long before the neighbors were complaining that the rabbits were eating their gardens and flowers but they never had a problem before. I tie up my cats now because I have put too much time, money and love into them to have them squished by a vehicle, poisoned, shot at etc. My cats are family and deserve TLC from us. I think the cats should be adopted not killed or stayed and released out in the wild. After reading some of these comments – I personally think there are some humans that need to be fixed, so they don’t bread any more of their kind. "

Franc wrote on Jul 27, 2006 10:48 AM:

" "Better to neuter feral cats than kill them"?...Naw, it's better to kill them. "

To Susan Robinson, Modesto California wrote on Jul 27, 2006 10:24 AM:

" How many people do you think live in North Dakota???? I haven't written anything negative on this blog about cats, why should you think that my welfare and the thousands of other people that live here are not important (and even write our Senator!!)? You are the epitomy of ignorance!! And, by the way, if you have never been here, you should realize that we may have a little bit of a different sense of humor than you do. Most of the posts on this blog are probably meant as a joke. Unless you have lived here, you would not possibly understand how funny a story like this one seems. There are TONS of cats running around and HUNDREDS of them going unadopted in our shelters. It is true that most cats that are running astray here end up roadkill or dying in the winter time. Do some research on our state. It may be 100 degrees this month, But it is fairly common for our temperatures to be 20 below zero without a wind chill in the winter time. I would have to say that being from California, you have no idea how cold that is. It freezes any source of food or water these cats have. It would be far more inhumane and a waste of money to spay/neuter and release these cats to a death sentence of either being hit by a car or starving or freezing to death than to euthanize them. Again, educate yourself on our state, you didn't see me attacking California. And you should hear what most of us conservatives think of your state. "

Yikes! wrote on Jul 27, 2006 9:12 AM:

" Floridians and Californians that are responding to this article...have you ever been to North Dakota in January? Do you realize the the temperatures dip to minus 20 degrees regularly during the winter? The cats that are released without a regular water and food source as well as decent shelter would likely die a miserable death in the winters. Often cats here loose ears, tails and other extremities to the cold. How about controlling feline HIV and Leukemia? Would you just release the cats back out there that carry these diseases and let them infect all the other cats they come into contact with? You call North Dakotan's Hicks because of some cat-hating guys who talk too garbage because nobody knows who they are, but you would release a cat back to a miserable death to cold and disease. Surely you are more humane...not. Try again for a better solution for the cats here in North Dakota. "

c wrote on Jul 27, 2006 8:59 AM:

" yep...kill the cats...they bring love.. BUT let all the immigrans come in so we the tax payers can paiyHIGHER TAXES.. Think peOple!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Al Gee wrote on Jul 27, 2006 8:02 AM:

" I'm extremely proud of most of the ND people on this topic. Killing feral cats is the most effective way of reducing their population. Now if the southern border states would take the same initiative on the illegal immigrant issue as we do the feral cats... "

Susan wrote on Jul 26, 2006 10:32 PM:

" Spay neuter is cheaper than killing because before the animal is killed, it must be housed at a government shelter for a minimum number of days, and be cared for by government employees, and then be killed, and then the remains must be appropriately disposed of. Cats must be held for a few days because many tame cats act feral when they are in an unfamiliar setting. No one can tell if a cat is feral just by observing it roaming around. Before a feral cat is "euthanized" it must be determined to actually be feral, and not just a terrified house cat that somehow got out. Cost issues aside, we are supposed to be an advanced enough civilization to do what is morally right first, not what is cheapest first. "

Beckiboo wrote on Jul 26, 2006 8:57 PM:

" KiKi's Mom, most of why it is cheaper to TNR is because much of the work is done by volunteers. Last summer my town had clinics, where cats were spayed and neutered, and received basic vaccinations, for a cost of $15 per cat. All cats were trapped and brought in by volunteers who were willing to pay the $15 per cat to end the reproduction. Then the kitties were picked up by the same people who trapped them, and returned to their territory. Then the same people feed and watch out for the cats. There was some county funding, but most of it was cost to the person bringing the cat in, and rescue groups donating time and money. TNR works, and it is humane. Euthanisia stops one cat from reproducing, but there will always be more cats. With TNR you can stabilize an entire colony so it quits reproducing. "

malibu wrote on Jul 26, 2006 6:31 PM:

" Lord, I hear the theme from Deliverance playing in the background when I read some of these comments. Perhaps some of the people on this site should spend their money on a decent education instead of guns. "

Dave Bundy, editor wrote on Jul 26, 2006 5:23 PM:

" To furryferals: One person's "crackpot" is another's genius, and I don't believe it's the job of the Tribune to decide. For instance, I disagree very much with your post, but I'm glad to post it and let others think about it. Just because I disagree doesn't make one of us an "ignoramus." "

furryferals wrote on Jul 26, 2006 5:08 PM:

" I Think when a two-bit 'News' page like this has an open comment box,where any crackpot can leave comments anonymously,there will never be an accurate representation or discussion of any serious issues. Some of the comments I have read here are obviously posted by people who are either mentally degenerative Ignoramus's or just plain crackpots who have no worthy point to make,and no place in a civilised society. If you(The bismarck tribune)want people to express a legitimate comment then,have them register and login. But I suspect you would rather have these crackpots here. "

To Kiki's Mom wrote on Jul 26, 2006 4:13 PM:

" Are you saying that it is less expensive to spay or neuter a cat than to euthanize it? How can that be, when euthanasia solution is about 10 to 15 cents per CC (and it only takes about 1 to 2 CCs to euthanize a 10-20 lb cat) and about 3 to 5 minutes of the vet's time, and a spay or neuter surgery requires anesthesia, sutures, antibiotics, gauze pads, surgical scrub, plus quite a bit more of the veterinarian's time??? I'm not sure how you can say that the sterilization surgery is less expensive than euthanasia. To perform either function, the cats need to be caught and transported which equate to wages and vehicle gas. I'm still not understanding how TNR is less expensive than euthanasia? "

Susan Robinson, Modesto California wrote on Jul 26, 2006 3:04 PM:

" The Following is an email I just sent to North Dakota Senator Dorgan: Dear Senator Dorgan, I saw your interview on Lou Dobbs. I usually buy most of the books written by people he interviews. In this case I will not buy your book as a sort of small protest, since I view the moral progress of people in North Dakota to be equivalent to the moral progress of people in China, it really doesn't matter to me if North Dakota jobs are actually outsourced to China, and I consider China to be an enemy of the US! My judgment of the moral progress of the above mentioned people is based on their treatment of animals, and in particular their treatment of cats. It appears that many North Dakotans take pleasure in the thought of shooting cats, and are even using the argument that in some countries, cat meat is a delicacy. Yes it is -- in China. Your folks can't have it both ways sir. Either they are more worthy of the jobs than the Chinese, or they are not. Currently, they are not. If you or anyone in your state wants to progress morally on the isuue of controlling cat populations, please visit the website www.alleycat.org . When a sucessful non-lethal method of population control exists, it is always morally superior to any lethal method. Sincerely, Susan Robinson Modesto, California "

James wrote on Jul 26, 2006 2:32 PM:

" If some organization will pay for the Vet bills then yeah I am for it. Why not, it is good for everyone. Personally I say put them down. One other thing that should be done if your personal cat is caught by Animal Control then you should have to pay a fine that is equal to “fixing” or killing one cat. There are too many people that allow their cats to run free. The only other way to do it is to do what I do. When I am driving around I try to run over every cat I see. That is with or with out a collar. Many people do not call animal control when they see a cat running around the streets but will call for a dog so let them die. Out side of town I say just shoot them provided they are not a pet. On a side note I NEVER let my cat out side. "

KiKi's Mom wrote on Jul 26, 2006 1:53 PM:

" I am utterly shocked at the comments of you people in ND. You don't want to be known as hicks, but my your own comments about Feral Cats, you've proved you are a bunch of hicks!! I live in Florida, where our politicians have let us down with their own policies on Feral cats, so we as citizens have had to "Pick up the slack". You better ger better educated on the subject before you make some of the ridiculous comments I read! For example it costs more money per animal to euthanize them, than to spay/neuter them and have care givers take care of them-workers wages to catch them, trucks to transport the live & then dead bodies-all time and money. When "fixed" (do you hicks know what that means?) they don't prowl around looking for mates, they don't ransack dumpters, they keep the rodent population down. In Florida we just sent an idiot kid to jail for shooting a innocent kitten with a bow and arrow.We human tend to forget that we are not the only species living on this earth-the world belongs to all creatures, and we all need to get along!If you people are any example on how stupid the human race is, then all of you need to be neutered...we don't want a future of direlects like you on this earth...you people should feel ashamed about how dumb you are!!! Glad I live far away from ND, I feel sad for you.... "

so stupid wrote on Jul 26, 2006 11:11 AM:

" ryanm424- I do not think North Dakotans are hicks, at least most of them, but to every other state we are viewed as that because of things we do. State-ist?? You have got to be kidding me. You are right that cat meat is a delicacy in some areas, but that is irrelevant to the argument since cat meat is not considered a delicacy here. "

Al wrote on Jul 26, 2006 10:58 AM:

" As a person in ND, I am embarrassed by some of these comments for killing cats. Cats have a purpose in this world and have never asked to be born. And after reading some of these comments I hope some of these humans are fixed or have an appointment to have the procedure completed. "

Realitycheck wrote on Jul 26, 2006 8:59 AM:

" Removing and killing these cats leaves a hole that other intact cats fill...so basically it's a choice of a 1 time trap, neuter, release or catch and kill, catch and kill, catch and kill. "

ryanm424 wrote on Jul 25, 2006 9:56 PM:

" Anyone who thinks people from ND are "hicks" and gun happy is a state-ist. That's just as bad as a racist. In some countries, cat meat is considered a fine delicacy. "

Who's going to pay for this? wrote on Jul 25, 2006 9:10 PM:

" Great idea - but who's going to pay to have them neutered and vac.? The taxpayers? Come on.... "

We Could... wrote on Jul 25, 2006 8:44 PM:

" Catch then spay/neuter the ferel cats then relocate and release them out in the area where they want to eliminate the prairie dogs...that would take care of business!! "

so stupid wrote on Jul 25, 2006 4:44 PM:

" Killing is never the answer. Even when it comes to killing animals, it is only humane if you intend to eat and use what you kill, and I am guessing most of you don't eat cat meat. Just because you are from ND, doesn't mean that you have to live up to the "hick" stereotype of shooting anything that comes onto your precious land. Get a life and don't kill animals just for the fun of it, because that is basically the only reason why any of you are for this "cat season". You think you are hotshots with a gun. "

You are all crazy. wrote on Jul 25, 2006 4:30 PM:

" Killing is never the answer. Even when it comes to killing animals, it is only humane if you intend to eat and use what you kill, and I am guessing most of you don't eat cat meat. Just because you are from ND, doesn't mean that you have to live up to the "hick" stereotype of shooting anything that comes onto your precious land. Get a life and don't kill animals just for the fun of it, because that is basically the only reason why any of you are for this "cat season". You think you are hotshots with a gun. "

Here Kitty Kitty wrote on Jul 25, 2006 3:58 PM:

" To RAL: Technically, cat season IS open year-round in the country. If a nuisance animal comes on your land, you're free to dispatch that animal. (It's an effective way to sight in a rifle. If you can take a cat at 100 yards, you can take a deer!) "

To Doug wrote on Jul 25, 2006 2:34 PM:

" I would consider myself a cat-lover. I am owned by four of these fur-babies (all spayed/neutered, indoor only) and I currently have a stray mom-cat and two of her babies that I will be finding homes for as soon as I have them spayed/neutered at the vet's. I agree that the comments about drowning, shooting, feeding them to predators, etc. can be construed as "cruel". However, the city of Bismarck takes unclaimed feral cats to a veterinarian's office for euthanasia which is more humane than the other suggested methods and much more affordable than spaying/neutering the feral cats and then releasing them again. It is truly sad that this euthanasia is necessary, but the alternative would be prohibitively expensive and would not reduce the current feral cat over-population at all, just limit future litters. "

RAL wrote on Jul 25, 2006 1:15 PM:

" First it's relocate prairie dogs now it is nueter feral cats. What nincompoop would think of these asinine ideas. We have trees in ND that have Dutch Elm disease. I suppose some people think that it is criminal indeed to control the Dutch Elm beetle. I think I am going to go insane reading these "STRANGE" ideas people have. Anybody going to Jamestown, I need a ride!!!! "

Mike wrote on Jul 25, 2006 12:40 PM:

" I am all up for a hunting season on cats. Small rifles out of city limits and bow and arrow in town. That would be great fun! "

dante wrote on Jul 25, 2006 11:21 AM:

" beesh---you mean that people that like cats dont like kids? deep thoughts, my friend! "

Beesh wrote on Jul 25, 2006 10:50 AM:

" To Doug, there are in excess of 40 million of God's creation that didn't get that chance, purely because the same people who love cats, don't care about children. "

just a thought, or two wrote on Jul 25, 2006 10:20 AM:

" Neutered feral cats may, in fact, be helpful in keeping the rodent population in check. Also, is there a TNR program for politicians? "

Absurd wrote on Jul 25, 2006 10:03 AM:

" There are several things wrong with her proposal. One is you can't catch every cat so they'll continue to breed. Plus you'll catch the same cats over and over. As the population continues to grow thier food source will becomes depleted and they'll starve. Out in the country you don't have a feral cat problem because of predators. In town the only predator is us so it's our duty to control them since that's our place in the natural food chain. "

whatever wrote on Jul 25, 2006 9:43 AM:

" Does she plan on paying to have all those feral cats neutered? Or does she think we are all made of money and don't have other bills to pay. "

Doug wrote on Jul 25, 2006 9:42 AM:

" I can not believe the cat haters in this area. These animals never asked to be born – they are just trying to survive as GOD as intended them to. It is not their fault the human adults are so irresponsible and can’t take of their animals. Please consider a better method of helping these animals then the cruelty I am reading. "

Stop the breeding! wrote on Jul 25, 2006 8:41 AM:

" Ms. Parawski says... "Killing feral cats doesn't reduce the number of cats, because more cats just replace the ones killed unless you do something to stop the breeding..." HUH??? I'm pretty sure that euthanizing a cat is a pretty effective birth control method too! Euthanasia can also help slow the spread of feline disease and decrease the number of "splat cats" found on the roads. "

Here Kitty Kitty wrote on Jul 25, 2006 8:31 AM:

" LOL!! That is one of the most preposterous letters I've ever read. These are wild nuisance animals. Why spend all that money to catch them, chop them, and put them back? What does that run--$100 a cat? .22 ammunition is a heck of a lot cheaper, much more entertaining, and guaranteed effective. Please, Ms. Parawski, stay in your little urban fairytale land in Maryland and hug the trees and kitties there. We'll take care of our own problems in our own way here. "

Cat food wrote on Jul 25, 2006 7:22 AM:

" As long as you have the feral cats captured, take them to the zoo and feed them to the alligators. That way we won't have wild neutered cats infesting out alleys. I am founder of Alley cats for Alleygators. "

ryanm424 wrote on Jul 25, 2006 3:36 AM:

" I would think that killing cats would in fact effectively stop them from breeding. It would also be cheaper than neutering and vaccination, because all you would need is a potato sack and a river. Having said that, I am not much of a cat expert, so I will consider other opinions. "

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