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Where is Petaluma?
What is a feral cat?
City of Petaluma approved the feral cat ordinance
The Petaluma feral cat ordinance
Wetlands docents drafted the feral cat ordinance
Blood in Petaluma Wetlands
Did Nika smelled blood in the wetlands?
How you can help
Contact City of Petaluma
Important meetings
Petaluma ordinance banning bees, hives and swarms
The real threat to endangered species
What others say

Contact:  elle@svn.net

Feral Cat







Are domestic, homeless and feral cats really the villains they are made out to be in Petaluma, California?

Who is really responsible for the decline of endangered bird population?

WHAT OTHERS SAY
WHO
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

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
PRBO, (Point Reyes Bird Observatoryis a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing conservation through bird and ecosystem research. It was founded in 1965 as Point Reyes Bird Observatory.  PRBO relocated their main office in Petaluma, California, next to Shollenberger and Ellis Creek Parks.  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 promote the killing of animals."



PRBO.com




Marcelle Guy, Petaluma Feral Cats

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 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.

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
"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

The Real Threats to Endangered Birds


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
Animal Spirit
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
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



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)
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

(A Willow Flycatcher Survey)


Feral Cats trapped and killed in Petaluma Parks and Wetlands.             
Bullfrogs killed in Petaluma Wetlands.
Petaluma Wetlands Mute Swans may be next!
Stop the insanity   Contact the City
Note:  Important meetings will be posted here
City of Petaluma Animal Services Advisory Committee Meeting:   
Wednesday July 9, 2008  --  7:00pm
Meeting result:  The decision for the recommendations to City Council about the feral cat ordinance was posponed to August meeting.  
Next meeting: 
 

A Little Tabby . . . 

A Little Tabby

speaks for the feral cats of the world. 

A true story

By Marcelle Guy   
©1992-2008

Little Tabby Story on Television
Petaluma Community Access TV Channel 26

Tuesday:  11:30pm
Wednesday:  6:30am  & 3:00pm
Saturday:  10:00am  & 6:00pm

Cat


Hear the voice of America's Feral Cats
(Video available to the public for educational use only)
Not for profit - Not for sale



Contact


Blood in the Petaluma Wetlands
Since 1999, I have been walking at Petaluma Shollenberger Park and often with my dog Nika until she died in 2006.  A few years before she died, she began to resent walking the Schollenberger Park.  I tried to coax her, sweet-talk, gently push and pull.  She would put the brakes on and refused to walk any farther.  Finally, I would give up and turned around.  Instantly she pranced her way out the park with her head and tail up as we headed to walk outside the park.  It was strange how Nika reacted to Schollenberger Park and I never understood it until now. 

Nika was raised and lived her entire life with rescued feral cats.  Afghan Hounds are very sensitive and intuitive animals. I think Nika smelled the blood coming from the Petaluma wetlands.

Since passing the feral cat ordinance in 2004, Petaluma trapped and killed thousands of cats many from the Shollenberger Park and Wetlands. 
Marcelle Guy

(Petaluma Park docents and City employees have called animal shelter to trap and kill all cats in Petaluma parks (including Shollenberger Park) and wetlands areas since 2004).
(City of Petaluma killed nearly 600 cats the first nine months of 2007)

Did Nika smell the blood from the Shollengerber Park and Petaluma Wetlands? 

A City of Petaluma feral cat ordinance drafted by Petaluma Wetlands Alliance Docents permits them to trap and kill cats in Petaluma parks and wetlands

How cat advocates and public
were mislead

Blood in Petaluma Wetlands
"Nonnative" Feral Cats trapped and killed in Petaluma Wetlands.             
"Nonnative" Bullfrogs killed in Petaluma Wetlands.
"
Nonnative" Mute Swans may be next!       
June 19, 2008
Mute Swan
Mute Swan
Petaluma Wetlands Alliance docents say mute swans are like feral cats.
They are overpopulated and they damage native plants.
Picture Credit: Animal Diversity


Cat

City of Petaluma and Shollenberger Park Docents
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.

Note:
City of Petaluma Animal Services Advisory Committee Meeting:   
Wednesday July 9, 2008  --  7:00pm
Meeting result:  The decision for the recommendations to City Council about the feral cat ordinance was posponed to August meeting.   Date and time will be posted here.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Contact:
 M
arcelle Guy 



UP


December 2007

        

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


Help Petaluma feral cats, bees, bullfrogs and mute swans


Read my Report to Mayor Torliatt about
February 8, 2008,
feral cat meeting organized by the Petaluma  Animal Advisory Committee




To read the Petaluma Feral Cats Ordinance click on the following link
The Petaluma Feral Cats Ordinance


Cat sleeping

(Until very recently I was not aware of the feral cats ordinance passed by
the Petaluma City Council in 2004)


Bee
Like feral cats, bees are considered a nuisance in Petaluma and therefore removed from the city.



Cat
                                                   UP
        

  
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)

A Little Tabby
NOTE:  Sheri Cardo was Chair of the Petaluma Animal Advisory Committee of 2004.  She was strongly against the ordinance. 

City Employees

How you can help
UP                      
  


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)
* * * * * * * * *
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.
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    

A Little Tabby

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.


(Petaluma Park docents and City employees have called animal shelter to trap and kill all cats in park and wetlands areas since 2004).
(City of Petaluma killed nearly 600 cats the first nine months of 2007)





                                                UP
How you can help

City of Petaluma Feral Cats Ordinance


A Little Tabby

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.
A Little Tabby

(City of Petaluma killed nearly 600 cats the first nine months of 2007)


HOW YOU CAN HELP


E-mail or Phone Petaluma City Councilmembers
Tell them we need to change the Petaluma feral cat ordinance NOW!
Name
Phone
Term Ends
Pamela Torliatt, Mayor
707-763-6825
12/10
Karen Nau, Vice Mayor
707-778-4521
12/08
Mike O'Brien  Council
707-778-4525
12/08
Mike Harris     Council
707-773-3196
12/10
Teresa Barrett  Council
707-953-0846
12/10
David Rabbitt   Council 707-971-0272
12/10
Samantha Freitas  Council
Animal Advisory Committee Liaison
707-776-3770
12/08
Eric Danly, City Attorney
707-778-4362

John Brown, City Manager
707-778-4345


Please join us in support for Petaluma homeless and feral cats:

Important meeting to attend: 
City of Petaluma Animal Services Advisory Committee Meeting:   
Wednesday July 9, 2008
7:00pm
Lucchesi Center
320 No. McDowell Blvd
Petaluma, California 94954
707-778-4396
The submommittee will submit their recommendations about the feral cats ordinance. 
The decision for the recommendations to City Council about the feral cat ordinance was posponed to August meeting.  
Next meeting: 

We are asking public attendance. 

Date the ordinance will be reviewed by the city will be posted here.
What is a feral cat?

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:

Nathan wrote:

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,

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.
Elle

Nathan'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.

Thank you Nathan!

You can help

Read: Little Tabby Story
Then call or e-mail Petaluma City Council Members













Bee






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


 A family and their Potbellied Pigs
Go sign their petition


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 All About Petaluma      Petaluma Sandalwood     Practical Links

 Where to . . . .  in Petaluma      My Rescued Kittens    My Afghan Hounds      Little Tabby    Contact:  elle@svn.net
 
 

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Save one of these graphics to add to your site

Little tabby banner         A Little Tabby
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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
     (415) 554-3052, or e-mail us at "ethicalstudies@sfspca.org", and we'll gladly mail you a copy.

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Marcelle E. Guy
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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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