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What is a feral cat City of Petaluma approved the feral cat ordinance Read the Ordinance Wetlands docents / Feral cat ordinance Blood in Petaluma Wetlands How you can help **Important meetings** UP-DATE Petaluma ordinance banning bees, hives and swarms What others say The real threat to endangered species Forgotten Felines for TNR in Petaluma City Watchdog Schedule Other sites by Marcelle Guy Contact: elle@svn.net FIND
AT THIS SITE
Relocating Feral Cats Cats Indoors A Ray of Hope for Petaluma Feral Cats Petaluma Animals |
Please
Help Petaluma Homeless Cats
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 Cats don't belong to people. They belong to places. Wright
Morris
Attention:
Petaluma City Council Meeting of May 18, for the feral cat ordinance has been postponed. A new date will be posted here when known. Please speak up for Petaluma homeless and feral cats. City of Petaluma 11 English Street Petaluma, CA 94952 phone: 707.778.4360 fax: 707.778.4554 email: cityclerk@ci.petaluma.ca.us Check UP-DATE Keep your TV to Public Access Channel 26 for information about the ordinance and Petaluma homeless cats on Marcelle Guy's shows. Or call and ask for Marcelle Guy show schedule: 707-773-3190 Thank you PCA. Cats banned from most areas of City of Petaluma Since
passing the feral cat ordinance in 2004, cats
have been banned from most area of the City of Petaluma. All City
parks and a block from any city
parks; All wetlands (the Petaluma River runs through the city)
and half a mile from any wetlands.
Petaluma has
been trapping and killing cats by the hundreds each year ever since.
There
are 47 city owned parks in Petaluma for a total of
260.5 acres. The City of Petaluma is appr. 10,300
acres. Adding one block to all parks and half mile to wetlands,
plus adding every home, (Petaluma population 59,600) buildings, roads
and highways, leave no room for cats in Petaluma.
How you can
helpThe
Petaluma Animal Services Advisory Committee recommended to remove 1/2
mile
from wetlands and one block from City Parks from the Petaluma feral cat
ordinance. This
will go to City Council after November elections. We need to do
much better for our animals in Petaluma.
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Are cats
really the villains they are made out to be in Petaluma, California? Who is really responsible for the decline of endangered bird population? Find out Petaluma Community Access TV
New at PCA. TV An educational program for the whole community to watch: A Humane Solution for Feral Cats Call for the schedule 707-773-3190 Ask for Marcelle Guy Show schedule
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| WHAT OTHERS SAY |
WHO |
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| The Humane Society of the United States
believes that feral cat
overpopulation is a community-generated problem and that every
community has a responsibility to work toward a solution. The HSUS is
concerned about feral cat populations, the welfare of individual cats,
and the welfare of wild animals. The HSUS advocates
community-based Trap-Neuter-Return programs with
on-going responsible management as the most viable, long-term approach
available at this time to reduce feral cat populations. |
Humane Society of the United States |
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In the plant world
there are many
"weeds" that are now considered "endangered species." Feral cats should
never be allowed to fall into this category. Louise Holton, of Alley
Cat Allies, sums it up best: "It is not ethical to protect one innocent animal by doing something cruel and inhumane to another. Lethal control cannot be ethically justified. Birth control and altering human behavior are both proven methods of humane control that work. Alien, exotic, feral, or invasive species of animals - whatever you choose to call them -are just as much the victims of human greed, neglect and ignorance." Aggie Ferals: "Weeds" or Victims? TNR vs Eradication By Franny Syufy |
Alley Cat Allies | ||
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In 1997, the American Bird Conservancy (ABC), a well financed special interest group, fired the first shot in the war against felines with their "Cats Indoors!" campaign. After a slow start, the effort generated substantial results in 2003. The primary purpose of their lobbying campaign is the elimination of all outdoorcats- strays, ferals and pets. Indeed, they specifically recommend that homeless and lost cats should be captured and sent to local shelters, knowing full well that most will be killed. As of today, the American
Bird
Conservancy's Cats Indoors! campaign has successfully influenced
federal, state and local governments with misinformation and
extrapolated data about the "devastating effects" free-roaming felines
have on "millions" of birds and "billions" of small mammals.
More |
The Feline Resistance |
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| PRBO, (Point
Reyes Bird Observatory) is
a nonprofit organization dedicated to
advancing conservation through bird and ecosystem research. It was
founded in 1965 as Point Reyes Bird Observatory in Marin County,
California. PRBO relocated
their main office into the Petaluma, California Wetlands,
between Shollenberger Park and
Petaluma Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility. Here is
what PRBO
urge ranchers and farmers do to "control predators and pests:"
"Use
traps, not cats, to control
rodents
in hay barns and tack rooms. Cats kill an estimated 4 million
birds a
day in North America. Keep cats indoors. Bells on the
collar are not enough. Control mice and rodent populations by the
methods suggested above eliminating the need for stable cats.
Reduce feral cat populations, don't feed strays and spay and neuter all
house cats." "In other words, PRBO wants cats to disappear from the face of the earth. And in Petaluma they are trying to do just that." "I would never, ever, donate to an organization that promotes the killing of animals." |
PRBO.com Marcelle Guy Petaluma Feral Cats  |
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The American Bird Conservancy’s (ABC) war on free-roaming and feral cats continues. ABC’s Cats Indoors Campaign
published a report in May 2006
targeting Florida, Hawaii, California, New Jersey and New York. “Impacts
of Feral and Free-Ranging Cats on Bird Species of Conservation Concern”
was written by Cats Indoors director, Linda Winter and (according to
Feline Resistance) funded by a “generous”
grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF).
The
primary federal agency partner of NFWF is the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service.
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The Feline Resistance | ||
| The ABC assessment of the effect of cats on
bird populations, human health, and themselves is built on inflated
figures and questionable studies couched in heartwarming prose that obscures their
underlying premise. |
Alley
Cat Allies |
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"Responsible
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)
is the most effective way to care for feral cats while at the same time
ensuring that the size of the colony decreases to zero. The Animal
Spirit is the national leader in educating the public about TNR as part
of an overall abolitionist approach to animal rights. I support The
Animal Spirit. It does great work."
~ Gary L. Francione,
Professor, Rutgers University School of Law |
Animal Spirit |
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Animal
Cruelty Laws Defined
Most U.S. States animal cruelty laws are defined (in part) as: Fails to provide proper food, drink and shelter -- Deprives of necessary sustenance, drink, or shelter -- Fails to supply any such animal with wholesome air, food and water -- Willful neglect means the intentional withholding of food and water- Abandon any animal where it may become a public charge or may suffer injury, hunger or exposure. In
Petaluma California, the City Council passed an ordinance in 2004,
that
can be defined as cruelty to animals and the ordinance even punishes
people for feeding and
caring for these animals. The ordinance is coming up for
review
after November elections and Petaluma City Council needs to know that
people care about our animals. Contact information HERE Call or e-mail and let
them know you care. Please be polite and genlte but diligent.
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The Real Threats to Endangered Birds |
and wildlife |
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| Myth: Feral
cats are
responsible for bird and wildlife
decline. Fact: While we
acknowledge that outdoor cats do
occasionally
kill birds and other wildlife, the main cause of decline is habitat
loss, which is caused by humans, not cats. National Geographic News
reports that the declining bird populations reflect growing threats
to many bird species resulting from habitat loss and fragmentation
caused by development and other human activities. More
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Animal Spirit |
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| Birds of every
shape, size and color are under threat. From the mighty
California condor to the tiny purple-backed sunbeam, birds around the
world are running out of time. And space — habitat loss is the single
largest threat facing birds today. Ironically, bird enthusiasts
themselves are also helping to contribute to the decline of many
species, which are captured for the caged bird trade.
More |
Animal Planet |
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Rightly or wrongly,
environmental groups and councils have increasingly called for the
confinement of cats to prevent their predation on birds and other
wildlife. Cats do impact on wildlife, like humans they kill to eat, but
there has been a great deal of misinformation and propaganda about the
true harm they cause. More |
The truth about cats and wildlife |
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| California
Clapper Rails: Of the 193,800 acres of
tidal marsh that bordered San Francisco Bay in 1850, about 30,100 acres
remain. This is an 84% reduction. Furthermore, a number of factors limit the habitat value of the remaining tidal marshes. See: More Throughout the Bay, the remaining clapper rail population is besieged by mammal and bird predators. Hunting intensity and efficiency by raptors on clapper rails also is increased by electric power transmission lines . . Mercury accumulation in eggs is perhaps the most significant contaminant problem, . . . More Black Rails: Loss of habitat and alteration due to urbanization, water and flood-control projects, agricultural practices, salt production, and livestock grazing were and continue to be significant factors in the species decline. Habitat loss alone has led to the complete extirpation of southern California population. More |
(US
Fish and Wildlife Service) (California Black Rail Natural Species Accounts of Solano Co.) (Audubon Watchlist - Black Rail) (Wildlife of the Suisun Marsh, Black Rail) |
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| Little Willow
Flycatcher The
greatest historical factor
in the decline of the
willow flycatcher is the extensive loss, fragmentation, and
modification of riparian breeding habitat.
More
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(A
Willow Flycatcher Survey) |
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Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility Public Tour: Saturday August 2, 2008 9:00am See flyer here (Water Recycling Facility built in Wetlands and one reason for Petaluma feral cat ordinance and a location where they are trapped) Wednesday August 6, 2008 7:00pm Lucchesi Center 320 No. McDowell Blvd Petaluma, California 94954 707-778-4396 Update: August 10, 2008 The subcommittee submitted their recommendations to Petaluma City Council. They recommend to remove 1/2 mile around the wetlands and one block around city parks. It is a small victory and now it is up to Petaluma City Council. Update: August 27, 2008 According to Mayor Pamela Torliatt, the ordinance is not scheduled for consideration, and will not be on the Council agenda for September or October. So we are looking for a November or December and could even be a January 2009 decision with new council in place. Update: Attention: Attention: Petaluma City Council Meeting of May 18, for the feral cat ordinance has been postponed. A new date will be posted here when known. Please speak up for Petaluma homeless cats. 11 English Street Petaluma, CA 94952 phone: 707.778.4360 fax: 707.778.4554 email: cityclerk@ci.petaluma.ca.us Keep your TV to Public Access Channel 26 for information about the ordinance and Petaluma homeless and feral cats. For show schedule Petaluma Community Access: 707-773-3190 Thank you PCA.  A Little Tabby . . . |
target the wrong cats. See the big cat that's killing endangered species and wildlife In
2004, Petaluma Animal Shelter Management and Petaluma Wetlands
Alliance Docents drafted a feral cat ordinance that permits them to
trap and kill feral cats caught in
Petaluma
wetlands and within half a
mile and in city parks and within one block. Problem is,
cats cannot read the signs and they get trapped and killed by the
hundreds each year.
Can feral cats be treated fairly in Petaluma, California? If everyone remains silent, the killings will continue. In 2004, Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County offered to implement a TNR program in Petaluma at no cost to the city and the City of Petaluma refused. Instead, they implemented a trap and kill program and punishment for the feral cats caregivers. Public Tour: Saturday August 2, 2008 9:00am See flyer here (Water Recycling Facility built in Petalma wetlands and one reason for Petaluma feral cat ordinance and a location where they are trapped) City of Petaluma Animal Services Advisory Committee Meeting: Wednesday August 6, 2008 7:00pm Lucchesi Center 320 No. McDowell Blvd Petaluma, California 94954 707-778-4396 Update: The
subcommittee submitted their recommendations to Petaluma City
Council. They recommend to remove 1/2 mile around the wetlands
and one
block around city parks.
It is a small victory, and now it is up to Petaluma City Council. Update: August 27, 2008 According
to Mayor Pamela Torliatt, the ordinance
is not scheduled for consideration, and will not be on the
Council agenda for September or October. So we are looking for a
November or December and could even be a January 2009 decision
with
new council in place.
Attention: Petaluma City Council Meeting of May 18, for the feral cat ordinance has been postponed. A new date will be posted here when known. Please speak up for Petaluma homeless and feral cats. Petaluma City Hall 11 English Street Petaluma, CA 94952 phone: 707.778.4360 fax: 707.778.4554 email: cityclerk@ci.petaluma.ca.us Keep your TV to Public Access Channel 26 for information about the ordinance and homeless cats. For the schedule call: 707-773-3190 Thank you PCA. Contact: Marcelle Guy Help Petaluma Feral Cats Bees Bullfrogs Swans Read my Report to Mayor Torliatt about February 8, 2008, feral cat meeting organized by the Petaluma Animal Advisory Committee UP |
| Where
is
Petaluma,
California? Petaluma, California is located in beautiful Sonoma County, Prestine Wine Country God's Country, as Luther Burbank referred to Sonoma County 35 Miles north of San Francisco. Population: 59,600 |
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| To read the Petaluma Feral Cats Ordinance
click on the following link The Petaluma Feral Cats Ordinance
the Petaluma City Council in 2004) |
 Like feral cats, bees are considered a nuisance in Petaluma and therefore removed from the city. |
|
Here
is how this
ordinance was written and approved unanimously by the 2004 Petaluma
City Council:
City of Petaluma, California MEETING OF THE PETALUMA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AND THE PETALUMA CITY COUNCIL PCDC/City Council Minutes Monday, May 17, 2004 – 3:00 P.M. Regular Meeting Introduction (First Reading) of Ordinance 2185 N.C.S. Amending the Petaluma Municipal Code, Title 9, Animal Regulations. (Bierman/Tavares) Animal Services Manager Nancee Tavares gave the staff report and urged Council’s approval of the recommended changes to the ordinance. She also noted the additional desire to have mandatory rabies vacations for cats included in the ordinance. Council discussion ensued regarding the prohibition of feeding animals in the park and the enforcement of restrained/tethered animals. Council Member Torliatt commented as the Council’s Liaison to the Animal Services Advisory Committee and indicated she would like the issue of mandatory vaccination of cats to come back to the Council sooner rather than later. Council Member Healy thanked Ms. Tavares for bringing this clean-up legislation forward. He clarified with her the number of feral cat colonies in the City and indicated he would support a ½ mile radius rather than a ¼ mile radius for the prohibition of feeding cats near the Petaluma Wetlands. MOTION to adopt the ordinance with the amendment to include that there be a ½ mile radius of the Petaluma Wetlands prohibiting feeding of feral cats. M/S Moynihan/Healy. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. June 14, 2004 Vol. 40, Page 109 City of Petaluma, California MEETING OF THE PETALUMA CITY COUNCIL City Council Budget Workshop Minutes Monday, June 14, 2004 – 6:00 P.M. Special Meeting UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Adoption (Second Reading) of Ordinance 2185 N.C.S. Amending the Petaluma Municipal Code, Title 9, Animal Regulations. (Bierman/Tavares) This item was continued from the June7, 2004 City Council Meeting. City Council discussion ensued regarding whether this ordinance should be referred back to the Animal Services Advisory Committee for further review and input. Council Member Torliatt indicated she would rather see the portion regarding feral cats removed and referred back to the Advisory Committee and move forward with the remainder of the ordinance. City Attorney Rudnansky recommended removing the feral cat language, should the Council wish to, and reintroduce the ordinance, which would then come back at the next Council Meeting. The consensus of Council was to move forward with the consideration of the full ordinance this evening. Prior to the presentation, Vice Mayor Moynihan questioned the necessity for livestock permits. Council Member Torliatt also mentioned that when a permit is issued, a phone number should be requested also. Nancee Tavares, Animal Services Manager, gave an overview of the proposed ordinance and cited the difficulties in dealing with feral cats in public parks. PUBLIC INPUT: Kathy Sousa, Petaluma Animal Services, addressed the City Council as the Shelter Supervisor. She expressed concerns for feral cat colonies, including their safety and welfare. She stressed it is critical that the park site be monitored. Jane Baskin, Sonoma County Volunteer Board of Directors, addressed the City Council in opposition to the proposed restrictions to feral cat colonies. Jennifer Kirchner, Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County, addressed the City Council in opposition to the proposed ordinance. She asked how the City proposes to pay for enforcement of the ordinance. She also offered Trap and Return training and/or workshops to take place at Lucchesi Park. Council Member Torliatt questioned if workshops had been held thus far and expressed concerns with the current situation. Bob Dyer, Petaluma, addressed the City Council indicating he is a docent at Shollenberger Park and stated his support of the restrictions to protect the wetlands. Council Member Torliatt asked if the Feral Cat Committee had reviewed the entire ordinance and was told there were no objections. R. J. Kamprath, Pres., Pet Population Control Fund of Sonoma Valley, addressed the City Council in support of prevention and intervention as it relates to feral coats, but stated her opposition to the ordinance as written. * Sheri Cardo, Petaluma, addressed the City Council indicating the proposed ordinance is seriously flawed. She indicated staff told her the ordinance would be a compromise from the Committee and it was not. She continued by commenting that the feral cal community had nothing to do with the drafting of the ordinance and that the proposed ordinance was misrepresented to them and to the Council. She urged the Council to remove the language referring to feral cats from the ordinance. Stan Gold, Petaluma, addressed the City Council noting feral cats are not a natural part of the environment. He indicated there should be heavy fines and stated his support for the ordinance. Dwayne Meredith, Petaluma Animal Services Officer, addressed the City Council supporting caretakers, but stressed there needs to be a balance. He indicated, unfortunately this has become a Forgotten Felines vs. city of Petaluma issue. He noted his support for the ordinance and indicated it would provide for the proper level of care for cats. City Council discussion ensued regarding the number of colonies in the city, locations of known colonies and relocations efforts. Victoria Evans, Petaluma, addressed the City Council in opposition to the ordinance and noted she has had numerous animals dumped onto her property. Victor Chechanover, Petaluma, addressed the City Council commenting on the bird issue resulting from the number of feral cats. He indicated irresponsible people won’t go away and urged the Council to support the ordinance. Ruth Feldman, Petaluma, addressed the City Council in support of the proposed expansion at the Petaluma Outlet Center. Gail Thompson, Petaluma, addressed the City Council indicating she had sent information on how to properly trap feral cats. (Opposed the ordinance) Jolee Wiggins, Petaluma, addressed the City Council indicating she is the caretaker of the feral cats at Lucchesi Park. She noted she has trapped numerous cats at the park and removed them. She asked the Council to consider a “grandfather” clause and noted taking their food away would be cruel. She suggested a cat sanctuary be looked into. Council Member Healy questioned the budgetary impacts if the ordinance is adopted. He clarified with staff that there will be a meeting tomorrow of the Feral Cat committee and that they will be looking at educational opportunities. It was also noted that staff would be glad to research grants, but there just is not any extra money in the budget at this time. Vice Mayor Moynihan commented the removal of the feeding station in the park is the issue. Council Member Torliatt stated her support for the relocation of the feral cats at Lucchesi Park. She asked if the proposed ordinance could contain amended language to give the Animal Shelter manager the ability to work with Forgotten Felines to ensure relocation efforts are considered. Council Member Healy indicated the Council could give authority to grant a waiver and approve and direct staff to come back ni 3 to 6 months with any needed amendments for compliance. Council Member O’Brien agreed and indicated Council should adopt the ordinance as is and bring back any needed amendments at a later date. MOTION to adopt the ordinance as presented: M/S Healy and Moynihan. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. (City
of Petaluma killed nearly 600 cats the first nine months of 2007)
City Employees |
More Information from
The
Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (PWA)
A Committee of Madrone Audubon Society of Sonoma County
May 17, 2004 -
PETALUMA PASSES NEW FERAL CAT ORDINANCE
(from the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance website)
A Committee of Madrone Audubon Society of Sonoma County
May 17, 2004 -
PETALUMA PASSES NEW FERAL CAT ORDINANCE
(from the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance website)
* * * * * * * * *
Petaluma Wetlands Alliance
members Gerald
Moore and Bob Dyer serve on a "Feral Cat" Committee for
the
City of Petaluma and drafted a Municipal Code ordinance on feral cats.
Feral cats are a menace to park wildlife.
Here is the code changes passed by the City Council on May 17th.
City of Petaluma and drafted a Municipal Code ordinance on feral cats.
Feral cats are a menace to park wildlife.
Here is the code changes passed by the City Council on May 17th.
9.14.110 Permit for Feral Cat Colony
| A. There
shall be no feeding of feral cats in or within one-half mile of the Petaluma Wetlands, located along the Petaluma River. The area covered by this section is bordered by the Petaluma River on the southwest, and Lakeville Highway to the north and east, from the Petaluma Marina to, and including the Petaluma Holding Ponds. There shall be no feeding of feral cats inside any city park, or within a block of any city park. Any existing feeding station in the prohibited areas shall be removed within 90 days |
| Ordinance
sections relating to the rules for feral cat colonies and feeding
stations are not included here because of their length, but are available from Animal Services, 778-4396. 9.14.110 C. creates a one-half mile buffer zone around Shollenberger- Alman Marsh, the newly acquired Grey property (southeast of the park) and the Petaluma Holding Ponds. Also restricted is cat feeding within this covered area. Park docents will monitor any known feeding stations to ensure removal by the deadline. |
There are 47 city owned parks in Petaluma for a total of 260.5 acres. (appr.) The City of Petaluma is appr. 10,300 acres. Adding one block to all parks and half mile to wetlands, plus adding every home, (Petaluma population 59,600) buildings, roads and highways crossing the city, leave no room for cats in Petaluma let alone feral cats. This is unacceptable. Shollenberger Docents say thousands people visit the park every year, but they don't tell the people how many animals are killed each year at their commands and under the ordinance they drafted. At City Council meetings, Shollenberger Park donents tell the City: People don't come to see the cats. They come to see the birds." And City Council believe them and that's how the bad ordinance passed My dog, Nika, refused to walk the Shollenberger Park after the 2004 ordinance passed and I wondered why. When I read the ordinance and found out how many animals are trapped and killed within the park, I understood. Nika was raised and lived her entire life with rescued feral cats and I think she smelled the blood at Shollenberger Park. She was a smart, sensitive and beautiful dog. I don't walk the Shollenberger Park either anymore. (City of Petaluma killed nearly 600 cats the first nine months of 2007) Making Petaluma an "Animal
Friendly City"
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UP
|
Click on the following link to
read the full ordinance
9.14.110 Permit for
Feral Cat Colony.8 9 A. Within six months of the adoption date of this ordinance, all caretakers of feral 10 cats in residential and commercial areas within the City limits are required to register 11 with Animal Services. A caretaker means any person or organization harboring or 12 having in his/her or its possession any feral cat that h/s or it has regularly fed for a period 13 of 30 days or more. Caretaker is required to submit written authorization from the owner 14 of the property where cats are fed and cared for. Caretaker is required to provide for 15 the sterilization of all cats and kittens, three-year vaccination against rabies, and one16 time testing for Feline FIV and Leukemia within one-month of cat entering colony. 17 Caretaker is required to transfer to the Petaluma Animal Shelter all tame cats within 18 one-week of entering colony. Caretaker shall provide cats with regular fresh food, 19 water and access to shelter and will maintain the area in a clean and sanitary way. 20 21 B. The caretaker shall not permit any feline under his/her care to permit such 22 animal to: 23 24 1. Damage property other than the property of owner or keeper; or 25 2. Cause an unsanitary, dangerous or unreasonably offensive condition. 26 27 C. There shall be no feeding of feral cats in or within one-half mile of the Petaluma 28 Wetlands, located along the Petaluma River. The area covered by this section is 29 ordered by the Petaluma River on the southwest, and Lakeville Highway to the north 30 and east, from the Petaluma Marina to, and including the Petaluma Holding Ponds. 31 There shall be no feeding of feral cats inside any City park, or within a block of any City 32 park. Any existing feeding station in the prohibited areas shall be removed within 90 33 days of the passage of this ordinance. 34 35 36 9.14.120 Required Records for Commercial Kennels, Catteries, Feral Cat 37 Colonies. 38 39 Every commercial kennel, cattery or feral cat colony pursuant to this 40 Chapter shall keep available, on the permitted premises, records available for 41 inspection by the Director. These records shall contain all of the following: 42 43 A. The name, current address, and telephone number of the owner/guardian of 44 each animal at the kennel or cattery. The name, current address, and telephone 45 number of the feral cat colony caretaker. 46 47 B. The date each animal entered the kennel, cattery or colony. C. The reason for each animal being at the kennel or cattery, such as for boarding, 2 sale, breeding or grooming. 3 4 D. A description of each animal at the kennel or cattery, including age, breed, sex 5 and color. 6 7 E. A current, valid rabies certificate for each animal over four months of age at the 8 kennel, cattery or colony. 9 10 F. A valid spay/neuter certificate for each cat over age four months in the colony. 11 12 9.12.130 Permit Fees. 13 Fees for the processing and investigation of permits issued pursuant to this 14 chapter shall be determined by City Council resolution. (City
of Petaluma killed nearly 600 cats the first nine months of 2007)
E-mail or Phone Petaluma City Councilmembers Tell them we need to change the Petaluma feral cat ordinance NOW!
Please join us in support for Petaluma homeless and feral cats: Important meetings to attend: Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility Public Tour: Saturday August 2, 2008 9:00am See flyer here (Water Recycling Facility built in Wetlands and one reason for Petaluma feral cat ordinance and a location where they are trapped) ______ City of Petaluma Animal Services Advisory Committee Meeting: Wednesday August 6, 2008 7:00pm Lucchesi Center 320 No. McDowell Blvd Petaluma, California 94954 707-778-4396 Update: August 10, 2008 The subcommittee submitted their recommendations to Petaluma City Council. They recommend to remove 1/2 mile around the wetlands and one block around city parks. It is a small victory and now it is up to Petaluma City Council. Date the ordinance will be reviewed by the city will be posted here. Update: August 27, 2008 According to Mayor Pamela Torliatt, the ordinance is not scheduled for consideration, and will not be on the Council agenda for September or October. So we are looking for a November or December and could even be a January 2009 decision with new council in place. Update: February 24, 2009 We are still waiting for City Council to chedule feral cat ordinance. Mayor Pamela Torliatt told me they are waiting for the staff report. Today, February 24, 2009, I met with Lieutenant Mike Cook to speak of the feral cat ordinance. Following is my response to Lieutenant Cook: Dear Mike, As I told you
last Tuesday, I
cannot agree to your recommendations about the feral cat ordinance. I don’t think a TNR program can work with
such restrictions as to ban all cats from all city parks and wetlands
as
defined by park docents. To work with
such restrictions is almost as if we are planning ahead for a program
to fail
and I cannot approve of that. Respectfully,
Update
April 29, 2009 Petaluma City Council meeting of May 18 was
postponed and a new date will be posted here as soon as known. Petaluma
Community Access now on-line and you can check the schedule
for all programs.  Please speak up for Petaluma homeless cats. Contact City Council members . |
What
is a feral cat? Homeless cats who are afraid of humans and
cannot be easily approached
or handled are referred to as "feral." Feral cats have generally had
little or no human contact, causing them to develop a natural fear of
humans. Not all homeless cats are feral; some may be strays who are
lost or have been recently abandoned by humans.
Feral cats are the 'wild'
offspring of domestic cats and are
primarily the result of pet owners' abandonment or failure to
spay and neuter their
animals, allowing them to breed uncontrolled.
Feral cat 'colonies' can be found behind shopping areas or businesses,
in alleys, parks,
abandoned buildings, and rural areas. They are elusive and do not trust
humans.
On May 12, 2007 I
received an e-mail from Nathan
regarding my feral cat
project. My
feral cat project began in
1988 and lasted about 10 years. It was posted on the
Internet in 1992 and I still receive mail from people from
all
over the world. Most people are saddened by the Little Tabby
story and 90% of the mail I get, people tell me they cry for the Little Tabby.
Nathan
was one of very few to question my integrity and he gave me the
opportunity to voice my intolerance for people who feel no
responsibility to animals.
I am grateful for his question and I am proud of my reply. I think I clearly answered the definition of a feral cat. And Nathan clearly got the message. Here is his email to me and my reply: I read
your website and I think
what you are doing is great. I can’t imagine me saying this
because I despise
cats, but I do not abuse them. The only problem I have is people
who treat
cats as if they are humans. The question I have…when was the last
time you gave food to a homeless man/woman/child. Every year
I give to the humane
society and I even stopped a friend of mine from poisoning stray
cats. However
it really bothers me when I visit people and they say something like
“you
can’t sit there…that’s where the cat sits”. I think one can be an
animal
lover but some can definitely go overboard. I really feel for
older women
(sometimes men) who have no one in their lives but cats. I like
to have
maybe a stray cat in the neighborhood to keep the rats and snakes
out…but
they multiply like rabbits. I think the overpopulation is
something that
will never get under control. No one cries for deer or other
animals that
are hunted down. It may be cruel the way they control the pet
population….but
how else are you going to do it? A stray cat doesn’t just walk up
to you
and let you pet it. What do you think?
Here is my answer to Nathan: Hi Nathan,
Thank
you Nathan!I wish I could change the things that need changing, but I am only one person and I cannot do it all. Last Monday I spoke at our local city council meeting about abuse of the elderly and I hope to make a difference for a large number of seniors and elderly. I paid the rent for someone who might have been evicted. I called and paid my plumber for the repair of a heater that had not been working for months and the elderly woman lived without heat in the middle of winter. I shop for toys and other type of things that I give to organizations at Christmas time. My cat project lasted at least
ten years
at the cost of thousands of $. And I am not a cat person, but
abuse is abuse
and it happens to the less able to help themselves. I don't give
to homeless.
I only give to those less able to help themselves and I seldom
give to organizations
or public officials because I want to know that my money helped
someone.
I never told anyone about giving $ to others because I don't want
to embarrass
them, but you asked. I am 72 and I still work full time and that
is the
reason I can help a little.
I think it is admirable that
you give to the humane society, but when
was
the last time you called them and asked them for help with the stray
cats
in your neighborhood? Did they do anything about it? What
do I think about
the cat overpopulation? It is human made problem and we should
solve it.
Not by shooting cats a couple times a year to control the
population, but
by passing laws to enforce spay and neuter. A feral cat is a
descendent
of a family pet. Feral cats should be trapped, spay/neutered,
released and
a person assigned to their well-being until they die a natural death.
These
cats are our failure to control the population. You cannot expect
them to
come at the vet's door and ask they by neutered, do you? They do
what comes
naturally and we are their keepers. We have a responsibility to
them. Shooting
cats is illegal and cruel and anyone doing that should be prosecuted.
I hope I answered your question
clearly enough. So, what are you
going to
do now? Call the humane society? Get in touch with your
city officials?
Good idea! You made some very good points about cats in
your neighborhood.
Imagine life without cats. Mice and rats would rule your house
and your
food. I think what we need is balance and only human have the
brain to create
balance. Thank you for writing.
ElleNathan's last message to me:
I will
respond more later but you really
put me in my place. And I thank you for it…because I deserve it. It’s your
life and obviously I don’t
have much of one if I’m criticizing someone I don’t know.
You can help Read: Little Tabby Story Then call or e-mail Petaluma City Council Members Tell them Cats Have Rights Too! We want TNR for all homeless and feral cats in the City of Petaluma, California. Trap/Neuter/Return TNR Is the most humane and effective way to control cat overpopulations. Before the ordinance passed
in 2004, Petaluma had approximately 40
colony caregivers. According to Petaluma Animal Shelter Manager,
Nancee Tavares, today there are only one or two.
Caregivers either abandoned their colonies or are working underground in fear of retributions from city animal shelter management. We want the rights to care
for these innocent animals restored.
Letter from Jennifer Kichner,
Forgotten Felines: Petaluma refused to work with Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County in 2004. Petaluma opted for a trap and kill program. We ask that Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County be allowed to work with volunteers and establish a TNR program in Petaluma. UP
August 6, 2008 Marcelle: This is the
statement
that will be read on my behalf at tonight’s meeting. Good Luck!
We fully
support any changes to the
current Petaluma feral cat ordinance that
will
support life “saving” rather than life “taking”
measures to reduce and control feral cat populations in the
city. Should the
City Council move to make the
recommended revisions to the ordinance which allow for a TNR program, Forgotten
Felines will be available to coordinate volunteers, educate caretakers
and
provide spay/neuter surgeries to anyone needing our services. We will be
happy to work autonomously
or in cooperation with any other individuals or non-profits willing to
assist
in these efforts. With everyone in agreement and cooperating, a
properly
run TNR program will
result in altered, healthy, properly managed
colonies and the eventual overall reduction in the feral cat population. Jennifer
Kirchner |
We need your help! How you can help |
ORDINANCE NO. 2185 N.C.S. Introduced by Mike Healy Seconded by Bryant Moynihan AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA REPEALING IN ITS ENTIRETY THE EXISTING TITLE 9, “ANIMALS,” AND ADOPTING NEW TITLE 9, “ANIMAL REGULATIONS” The City of Petaluma Ordinance Bees and their Hives 9.08.030 Beehives and Swarms Prohibited. 41 42 It is unlawful for any person to keep or maintain within the City limits any 43 swarm of bees or hive as defined in Section 9.04.020. The keeping or maintaining within 44 City limits of any swarm of bees or hive constitutes a public nuisance. Click on the following link to
read the full ordinance
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Cat Rights
By the San
Francisco Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Printed here with permission The growing popularity of cats as housepets has gone hand-in-hand with increased efforts to legislate, regulate, and even eradicate these animals from our midst. In light of this growing threat to cats' lives and welfare, we feel obligated to come forward and offer our perspective. The Cat Rights listed below represent the basic principles that have guided our efforts on behalf of cats. We hope everyone will listen to all sides, participate in the debate, and reach their own conclusions. The fate of millions of cats depends on it. 1. The Right to be recognized as a unique and important species. 2. The Right to have their individual lives cherished and protected. 3. The Right to be free from cruelty and abuse. 4. The Right to receive aid and comfort, including food, water, shelter, and medical care. 5. The Right to a fair share of public resources for the care and treatment of companion animals. 6. The Right to be treated as equal members of the animal kingdom. 7. The Right to be represented accurately and humanely by those who speak on their behalf. For a more detailed discussion of
each of these rights, please call The SF/SPCA Ethical Studies
Department at |
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Petaluma unfriendly to
animals
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Up-Dates: (Petaluma Animal Services Advisory Committee is reviewing the feral cat ordinance) August 6, 2008 Animal Services Advisory Committee recommended the removal of 1/2 around Petaluma Wetlands and one block from city parks. Opinion: Good, but not enough. The ban of city parks should also have been removed and that will be brought up to city council before a final decision. Other than the feral cat ordinance and the Petaluma Police Department K-9 issues, there has not been other responses from the City of Petaluma. Up-dates will be posted here. August 29, 2008 E-mails is sent to Shollenberger Park docents for a report on the Mute Swans. The reply will be posted here. Yesterday, August 28, 2009, we met with Petaluma Police Department Captain Dan Fish and Lieutenant Mike Cook. The Petaluma Animal Shelter was recently moved under the jurisdiction of the Petaluma Police Department. Financial accountings to citizens of Petaluma regarding feral cats were discussed as well as some incidents of questionable standards, i.e. YoYo mentioned above and comments about dog fighting in Petaluma. (Opinions and comments posted later) |
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Please spread the Little Tabby's message   Right click on the banner or little tabby to save it and please link it back to: http://www.svn.net/elle/tabby.htm |
 elle@svn.net |
Exciting
News Little Tabby Making a Difference 2008
Winner of a
W.A.V.E (Western Access Video Excellence)
Call for schedule for "Little Tabby" Video 707-773-3190 |
Other sites
By Marcelle Guy
Elle
on the Web Emergency Preparedness Don't leave your pets behind All About Petaluma Petaluma Sandalwood Estates The story Where
to . . . in Petaluma
Petaluma Sandalwood Estates Mourning   Will Karen Nau run again in 2010? Getting ready for 2010 City of Petaluma Council Elections Prospective Candidates: Teresa Barrett Mike Harris David Rabbitt Pamela Torliatt |
Petaluma Feral Cats Tribute to Max, Petaluma Police K-9 Officer My Rescued Kittens A Little Tabby speaks for the feral cats of the world Trap Spay Neuter A Family and their Pet Potbellied Pigs The Northern California Bulletin Board A voice for our companion animals Prayers
for Animals "The
greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way
in which its animals are treated."
"I hold
that the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to
protection by man from the cruelty of man."
Mohandas
Gandhi Please help Petaluma Feral Cats
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Understanding
Repressed Memories  Peace on Earth  Gentle Hearts Gather (Coming soon) In
Memory of Damini
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 Petaluma,
CaliforniaStay informed with City Watchdog. "City
Watchdog" airs on Public Access Channel 26 Sunday 11am Diane
Reilly
Torres has produced over 150 episodes of the City Watchdog program. Her
"man-on-the-street"-style program frequently focuses on issues of open
government and shines a light on social issues
Weekly Schedule: Th 6pm---Fri 5pm---Sat 9pm --- Sun 11am |
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Contact:
elle@svn.net
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Note:
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This is a
personal website and the information published and opinions expressed
are those of the webmaster and provided by Elle on
the Web for your personal use.
Content subject to change without notice. © Marcelle Guy 2008 |
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| Cretit Bee picture used with permission from Everything About |
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