Editor, The Record:
The letter “Write to council about cat problem” bears correction as it wrongly inflames pet owners and the public at-large about irrational, anecdotal and perceived ignorant bias against cats.
First, cats are perceived domesticated but are not classed as a domestic animal by law, thus, are not subject to being regulated, such as legal domesticated dogs.
Cats are readily domesticated and most can remain indoors. Most do not harm birds. All cats must be spayed, neutered, tattoo affixed but many irresponsible cat guardians place cats in harm’s way by permitting them outdoors and still observe the “its bed time, put the cat out” myth. Sadly, some become a meal for local coyotes, others roam neighbourhoods hoping for a compassionate neighbour to feed or in some cases, take indoors.
The major cause of our massive homeless and/or over-populated cat dilemma and most subsequent problems arising is the indifference and ignorance of mayor and council and of irresponsible owners.
The first step in the solution is three-fold: to subscribe to the Best Friends Society “Guardian” program; adopt a mandatory “Breeder Permit” provision for cats, could include dogs; increase penalty to make it undesirable to commit an offence, such as failure to spay or neuter a cat, fine at least double the cost to perform operations, say $100 or more; failure to obtain Breeder Permit maybe $ 200 fine or likewise failure to licence a dog. Simply, to most offenders the fine must really “hit them in the pocketbook” and the Bylaw easily enforceable but conditions and required paperwork of all breeding must be established properly.
George F. Evens
Mission
