Kill a cat for a song

[Mephisto]

I know that many people may already have heard this particular debate, but I only recently came upon it through a news station.

Apparently Wisconsin was considering making it legal to shoot an uncollared feline. The reason behind this was simple, cats kill birds. Apparently whatever Wisconsonian suggested this remedy loves birds more than mammals (or hates cats). Fortunately, the governor of Wisconsin stepped in on the cat's behalf and stated that he didn't want Wisconsin to be known as the state that kills cats.

Good for him.

Certainly feral cats can become a problem, but I feel the problem may be more related to neglect by irresponsible cat owners. Wouldn't it be better to make people accountable for stray cat by enforcing spaying or neutering programs?

I think that people tend to forget the predator's place in this world, and the cats (feral or domestic) have the misfortune of being excellent predators. This may or may not be of particular concern in the future regarding the strains of aviary diseases that are currently flourishing in Asia, and it would seem to me that cats might form the first line of defense against these diseases.

Anyone for or against the shooting of cats?

Mephisto

Here are a few links for your perusal:

http://www.secularity.com/ForumTopic.php?Topic=8671&StartIndex=0

http://www.pets.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=14208

http://atdetroit.net/forum/messages/5843/42032.html?1113702314

 

[RandFan]

Anyone for or against the shooting of cats?

For, but only because I hate cats.

I'm not convinced that it would work. If I did then I wouldn't have a problem. Wen I moved into my last home there was a serious ferrel cat problem. I purchased a trap and everytime I caught a cat I checked to see if it had a collar. If it did I let it go. If it didn't I called animal control. If it appeared tame they would hold the animal for a length of time to give the owner a chance to retrieve it. If it was unkemped and hissed loudly at the control office it was put down right away. The problem was solved in a month.

I sold my home and moved. The new home had a large feral cat problem. I did the same thing and again the problem was solved in about a month.

One person I talked to about this has done the same as myself but instead pays to have the animal spayed and neutered and then releases it back near his house. He also feeds them. I don't think this is a good idea but I respect it.

 

[Mephisto]

Well, in spite of the fact that you hate cats, I think you handled your end of the deal quite responsibily.

I can only imagine the outrage if someone suggested shooting uncollared dogs. Wild dogs were actually a problem in my state, and many once domesticated canines banded together to form impromptu packs that began killing poultry, cats and ever other dogs.

It's one thing to suggest killing something causing a serious health problem, but the widespread eradication of a species to save another species reminds me of the eradication of the wolf. They (the wolves) are currently being reintroduced to the wild in my state and they are meeting with armed redneck resistance. Come to think of it, they are meeting with resistance from the same front that sought to eradicate the American Indian.

I remember reading somewhere that the Black Plaque spread so quickly because a Pope called for the death of thousands of felines in Europe. Without cats, the plaque carrying rats spread quickly as did the disease. It seems that we never learn the delicate balance nature provides, and always seek to kill what displeases us. Not a sign of a civilized society.

Mephisto

 

[Cleon]

Too bad. Wisconsin came so close to being the Chinese food capital of the world.