(Stock photo via Pexels) For the months of January through September 2021, 112 animals died in the care of Memphis Animal Services (MAS) based upon the shelter's own reports. Out of the 112 "Died in care" animals, 52 were kittens aged "up to 5 months". All deaths are listed in the "In Shelter" column, none … Continue reading Memphis Animal Shelter Statistics Examined
Category: feral cats
Why Roaming Cats Should Not Be Taken to a Shelter
Stock photo via Pexels I sometimes see online advice encouraging people to take roaming cats to their local shelter because, whether owned or unowned, it's the best place for them. While well intentioned, this is misinformation and I'd like to explain why. 1. Cats get sick at shelters - very sick and very easily: Traditional … Continue reading Why Roaming Cats Should Not Be Taken to a Shelter
Non-native Species
Nutria, recognized by the US government as an invasive species (photo via USDA) The subject of non-native or invasive species covers animals (including insects, fish and any eggs produced by non-native species), plants (including their seeds), as well as bacteria and fungus and is very complex. These organisms have been introduced to non-native areas both … Continue reading Non-native Species
Cheap Shot in the War on Cats
The city of Niagara Falls, NY has a population of about 50,000 and contains approximately 14 square miles of land area. Sauntering around those 14 square miles are more than 60,000 stray and feral cats - so says the SPCA of Niagara Co. That works out to about 4286 cats per square mile of land … Continue reading Cheap Shot in the War on Cats
Nobody WANTS to Kill Animals – Pittsylvania Co Edition
The Pittsylvania Co pound in Virginia has an 80% kill rate for cats. Pete Boswell, the county's chief ACO, has an excuse: Boswell said the county’s shelter picks up feral cats throughout the year, which drives up rates, he said. It only drives up kill rates if you actually kill the cats. But that's probably … Continue reading Nobody WANTS to Kill Animals – Pittsylvania Co Edition
Texas ACO Leaves Cats to Suffer and Die in Truck
Michael Arista, an ACO in Big Spring, Texas, reportedly picked up "numerous" cats at some unknown time last week and put them in the metal boxes on his ACO vehicle which he left in a police station parking lot in 95 degree heat. A police officer noticed the vehicle on Saturday morning and contacted the on-call ACO. When that … Continue reading Texas ACO Leaves Cats to Suffer and Die in Truck
Shelter How To: Identifying Feral Cats and Reuniting Lost Cats with Owners
Elimination of the mandatory holding periods for stray cats impounded by shelters is part of what I refer to as the war on cats. Cats deserve the same protections as are provided to dogs at shelters, including a mandatory holding period so their owners can reclaim them. Groups who participate in the war on cats … Continue reading Shelter How To: Identifying Feral Cats and Reuniting Lost Cats with Owners
Charleston City Council Considers Bill Allowing the City to Steal Owned Cats
In West Virginia, Charleston city council’s ordinance and rules committee passed a draconian cat bill this week and sent it to the full city council for consideration. How extreme is it, you ask? Assistant city attorney Mandi Carter said the ordinance is different from the city’s already-on-the-books animal nuisance ordinances in that it gives the … Continue reading Charleston City Council Considers Bill Allowing the City to Steal Owned Cats
ACLU Stands Up for First Amendment Rights of Animal Advocates in Baltimore County
The troubled Baltimore Co pound in MD has banned the public from photographing pets in the facility and the ACLU has written to county officials condemning the ban: The American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland says Baltimore County officials violated free-speech rights by banning photography at the county-run animal shelter, a move the ACLU describes … Continue reading ACLU Stands Up for First Amendment Rights of Animal Advocates in Baltimore County
NJ Township Bans Feeding Outdoor Cats
The West Orange Township Council in NJ passed an ordinance at a meeting this month prohibiting residents from feeding all wildlife, including friendly outdoor cats who of course are not wildlife but shut up: The matter was brought before the council at the behest of Theresa De Nova, the township’s health officer, whose office has … Continue reading NJ Township Bans Feeding Outdoor Cats