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#1
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Cats are rats -- ask the songbirds
Interesting article - seems to me things are changing for domestic outdoor cats.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opi...147422005.html I'd be VERY curious to know how members feel about licensing cats in the identical way we do for dogs.
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#2
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I think cats should be licensed so if a cat gets out accidentally, it's more easily identifiable and is reunited with its owner more quickly. It would also encourage owners to spay and neuter their cats if the fee for licensing is dependent upon reproductive status.
But I don't think it will help the problem. People who have outside cats will either not license them or leave the tags off them and things will continue as they have. Wildlife would still be at risk from the cats that will remain outdoors. Licensing did not eliminate the dog overpopulation problem, and I doubt it would for cats. If the licensing fees are directed back into the animal control system for either facilities or education, though, there could be a very large benefit in the long run...
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"We are--each of us--dying; it's how we live in the meantime that makes the difference." "It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived!" "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." |
#3
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I have always advocated for licensing for cats. At least then they may start getting treated with the same measure of respect dogs are. And yes, I'm still on that bandwagon.
I don't have time to read the article right now. I don't imagine I'll be too damned impressed when I do.
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Assumptions do nothing but make an ass out of u and me. We can stick our heads in the sand for only so long before it starts choking us. Face it folks. The pet population is bad ALL OVER THE WORLD! |
#4
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Strong sentiments for an article you have not read.
I could be very wrong but I thought most people would actually appreciate the article. Personally....I too am 100% in favour of licensing cats in an identical way to dogs. I do not think domestic pet cats should be allowed to roam freely in the same way that dogs are not allowed to roam freely. I also agree w/14+ that mandatory licensing WILL change the perceived "value" of a cat in the minds of some people. From the article "In 2007, Calgary put in place mandatory cat licensing, and required that house cats be kept indoors or leashed when outside. Since then, 50,000 cats have been licensed and the number of euthanized strays has been cut in half." That is VERY encouraging to hear imo. Of course it may not solve the problem completely, but 50% reduction in euthanasia....that's very very very good.
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Please tactfully EDUCATE or IGNORE posters you don't agree with. Please PM me & Include URLs and post #'s for any issues and it's my pleasure to help. I'm firm - but fair. Mind the Rules and enjoy your stay. Newcomers FAQ - How do I post on this BB? Pet facebook group Check out the Pet podcast Follow me on Twitter |
#5
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In Medicine Hat, Alberta, cats are licensed, and have been for several years.
Even if adopting one, the licence fee is added to the adoption to make sure it is done. I don't mind, if it helps to recover an animal faster then great. Mine do not go outside at all, and don't seem interested in sneaking out, but I sure would want them returned if they did. They are also microchipped. take care binky |
#6
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Quote:
Back on track - when I see an article titled such as this one I suppose my hackles go up. I wasn't far wrong. It is the same as hundreds of other articles I've read. Not much blame being placed where it should be - with the owners. Not much said about responsible spay/neutering. Would have been an excellent venue to spout that. It was finally mentioned waaaayy down in the what? second last paragraph. When it is mentioned it is to say politicians back off when it comes to discussing the exact things that need to be discussed because of the minefield. Now wouldn't it be nice to find a politician who would actually do the job they are getting those outrageous salaries for and venture into that minefield? Maybe that's what is needed. We need mandatory s/n of cat. I've said before cats need to be leashed or at the very least contained in a safe environment when they are outdoors. That is not for the safety of the songbird. It's for their own safety. We need licensing of all cats. I wonder if the SPCA is going to be willing to hire more officers to go around to the farmers and tell them to s/n all their cats. My guess would be no. They don't have the money and the government is not about to hand it over to them. From personal experience, I have a few cats . Some of them live in an enclosed area where there are also trees and ummm, birds. Amazingly even with them living in such close proximity to each other in a years time there may be two birds caught and eaten by these cats. I know when there is because I find the feathers of the bird the next day. Not a half eaten bird. My cats use the whole bird. Nothing goes to waste. Now why does that not jive with the numbers claimed in the article? I don't think my cats are any different than the rest of them. What would be marvelous to read is an article that might make people sit up and take notice of the issues surrounding all of the millions of homeless cats in the world. It would be nice to read that someone is finally taking a stand and doing something about it. Find an article like that and I would be more than impressed when I read it. ** Ooops, nothing goes to waste except for about two dozen or so feathers....
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Assumptions do nothing but make an ass out of u and me. We can stick our heads in the sand for only so long before it starts choking us. Face it folks. The pet population is bad ALL OVER THE WORLD! Last edited by 14+kitties; April 16th, 2012 at 03:43 PM. |
#7
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I agree with licensing cats,but of course most importantly spay/neuter.
People have to stop looking at that cute little kitten,take him home on a whim,only to dump him outside when he is grownup,not a cute little plaything anymore. My own cats as everyone know come outside with us,are not even interested in exploring what's behind that fence,as for catching birds,I know they would love to but never manage too. We have about 3 roaming cats in my neighborhood,I know where they live..one of them(since an indoor cat)would lay under my birdfeeders and caught a few birds,that he brought home. I went over and spoke to the owner,I just did not want him to use my backyard for his hunting ground,my birdfeeders to be a trap,after that and him running away,being picked up by Humane Society,he is now an inside cat. There should be no difference between cats and dogs,cats are intelligent,have feelings,are very loving and only ask to be loved and cared for,just like dogs. Thousands of cats are killed every year,shelters are overdcrowded with cats,it just has to stopbut I have a feeling,just like the ignorant people who don't care,our politicians are the same. After all,here in Ontario,we kill dogs,just for being a certain breed,why would they care about little cats.
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"The cruelest animal is the Human animal" 3 kitties,Rocky(r.i.p my boy),Chico,Vinnie |
#8
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okay then 14+ - I guess I get more excited than you do when I feel the real beginnings of a shift in perception. This is the 3rd story on this topic that I have heard in just 2 weeks.
For me this story is a positive thing. For me the meaningful "perception" is not the headline....which is only designed to get people to read the rest of the article. I let these things go because I see them for what they are...a simple hook to get you to read on. The fact that we are talking about this at all....when this would have never even been published just a few years ago is good. Obviously - we have a long long way to go. That doesn't mean that slow progress is bad. All progress is good imo. Many thousands of cats in Calgary and other cities are not dying because of this change in perception, so if a provocative headline gets people to read an article, I have no problem with it. In fact if more of these provocative headlines make it to the news, it means the change is happening at a faster rate. I can live with a provocative headlines if the story supports and advances something that I believe in.....and I do believe that's all I have to say about that...
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Please tactfully EDUCATE or IGNORE posters you don't agree with. Please PM me & Include URLs and post #'s for any issues and it's my pleasure to help. I'm firm - but fair. Mind the Rules and enjoy your stay. Newcomers FAQ - How do I post on this BB? Pet facebook group Check out the Pet podcast Follow me on Twitter |
#9
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Quote:
Your numbers don't jive with the data because the data is not accurate.
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Cat maid to: Rose semi feral, a cpietra rescue, female tabby (approx 13 yrs) Jasper RIP (2001-2018) Sweet Pea RIP (2004?-2014) Puddles RIP (1996-2014) Snowball RIP (1991-2005) In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.-English Proverb “While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” Stephen R. Covey |
#10
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I am worried cats collars will get caught on a tree branch or a dog will be able to get a hold of the cat easier . There are collars that will break away in case ta cat does get caught on something . If this passed I hope people uses the break away collars. I think it is more of a way for the cities and towns to make more money as I really do not see how having cats get license will save birds. The only way to stop cats from killing birds is to not allow then go outside.
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#11
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I like the idea of licensing cats, but I understand Barkingdog's worries about it raising the cost of pet ownership. It already costs a lot to feed and give annual vaccinations. Sugarcatmom, you are lucky your fees are so cheap. Here licensing fees are twenty dollars per neutered animal and more if unneutered. That means our three cats cost $60 dollars a year. Our dog costs more. We follow the bylaw and renew each year and it has gone up twice in the past five years since we got Dr. Seuss.
We won't get rid of any of our current pets, but we certainly will think twice before adding another one and the cost of licensing. (And if you get your pet from a shelter you have to license because they know you have the pet.) That makes one less potential spot for an animal in need of a home. If you could guarantee the license fee stayed low, it would be wonderful, but too many city councils look at animals as a luxury to be taxed with license fees whenever they need more money.
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Dr. Seuss~DLH (brother's cat)~June 2007- Misty~DSH (my cat & Mooby's mom)-?- Sept. 15, 2014 MooBoots(Mooby) ~ DMH(Mom's cat)~July 21, 2008- Sunshine~ Golden retriever X white german sheperd (Dad's dog)~October 24, 2008- |
#12
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In my town all pets are suppose to be licensed. It does not matter. I can see the point on if they get out, then they want all animals to be up to date on shots.
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Happiness is a warm puppy. http://www.sarahsdogs.com |
#13
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My only concern about cats be required to be licensed is they will have to wear a collar and this can put a cat a great risk . A cat could very easily get caught on a tree branch or a wire fence when going under it. I agree a well fed cat will still want to hunt for birds and mice. I have a neighbor that let their cat out and he come into our yard to hunt of mice and I have found dead a few times and they have not been eaten . A cat can live in a house and be very happy as long as it has a climbing tower and toys to play with. and I read the article . There are some cites in my state that be required cats to be licensed.
http://centersandsquares.com/2009/03...-for-that-cat/ |
#14
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Quote:
Calgary's Responsible Cat Ownership Bylaw Quote:
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