Humane trap, neuter, release program needed
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Editor,
An update from “The Magic 30” cat colony, once of four in-town Polson groups. This message is from the meow of “BB” (Big Black) one of the two Mr. Toms who keep the population numbers up. (Ya think we need a neutering program.) “BB” says “Most of us in Magic 30” will make it through the February cold spell. Why? Because we eat on a regular basis so our bodies won’t freeze when we take shelter. Not so for some of our starving cousins in other groups – it will be death by freezing. This is certainly not a humane way to address and curb our feral cat population.
To animal lovers and other concerned and compassionate people – this seems trival to think about in view of the terrible world situations; however, everything is interconnected in one way or another. But think about these feral cats in the same light as your companion cats. The only difference is “luck of the draw.” In the meantime I will continue to maintain the “Magic 30” and two outposts from my heart, of course, but also in the memory of Linda Crawford, the hard-working advocate for feral cats during her leadership time with “Life Savers.”
I can only hope caring people put food out for the wayfaring cats from other groups – and that’s tricky thanks for a few irresponsible people who let their big dogs run from one end of the town to the other late night and early morning – but that’s another story – old lady stands ground with aggressive dogs. There’s a police report on that experience. At this point I think I need a BB gun. Dogs and cats – but back to cats. If something humane isn’t done, there will be more cats – no, not the city killing these innocent victims as done in the past, but again having a nationally supported trap, neuter release program.
Due to cat behavior, soon there will be kittens – a full spring event. Maybe mamas will bring their little ones to their safe feeding time with me. Maybe I can take a few for a better life. Maybe local vets will offer a discount for feral neutering. Maybe the city will have a humane trap, neuter, release program that’s volunteer handled. Maybe I’m a dreamer, but it is said it all begins with a dream. Mine is a better life for our feral cat population.
Joan St. John
Polson
