A catfight over neutering program

Bird lovers take issue with a city-subsidized nonprofit in Sun Valley that traps, sterilizes and then releases feral cats, saying it violates state environmental laws and doesn’t reduce the population

By Kimi Yoshino

January 17, 2010

The line forms even before the doors open at FixNation in Sun Valley. The trappers come, five days a week, back seats and trunks loaded with feral cats. Inside is a highly organized production line: On an average day, about 80 cats will be neutered, then released 24 hours later into the neighborhoods they came from.

This largely volunteer effort seeks to control a problem that vexes cities everywhere: how to manage homeless, free-roaming cats — thought to number at least 1 million in Los Angeles — while trying to avoid euthanizing them.

But the Audubon Society and other bird and wildlife groups say the program violates state environment laws. And what’s more, they contend it isn’t reducing the number of feral cats, which prey on many types of birds.

So the bird people took the city to court, much to the dismay of the cat people. Last month, after a daylong trial, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge sided with the plaintiffs, and it recently issued an injunction barring the city from subsidizing or promoting the trap-neuter-release program until environmental studies are completed.

In the long-playing Sylvester-vs.-Tweety battles, score a big one for the birds.

“The latest estimates are that there are about . . . 160 million feral cats [nationwide],” said Steve Holmer, senior policy advisor of the American Bird Conservancy, one of the groups that sued the city of Los Angeles. “It’s conservatively estimated that they kill about 500 million birds a year.”

But Judge Thomas McKnew Jr.’s decision sent a chill through cat advocates, who fear it could discourage municipalities across the nation from employing trap-neuter-release as a way to reduce shelter killings.

“There will be diminished public awareness of the homeless cat situation and the trap-neuter-release solution,” said Mark Dodge, founder of the nonprofit FixNation. “More homeless cats get abandoned, get ignored. It will probably mean more euthanasias of cats in shelters.”

In addition to barring city vouchers that offset the cost of neutering, the city cannot release feral cats from shelters to organizations like FixNation; conduct public outreach about the program; refer complaints about feral cats to trap-neuter-release groups; or waive cat-trap rental fees. (In the last fiscal year, the city spent about $240,000 subsidizing 8,000 surgeries for stray cats.)

City animal control officials declined to comment. The deputy city attorney on the case did not return repeated phone calls.

Not surprisingly, the ruling set off a flurry of emotional rhetoric.

In one online petition expressing outrage over the “ill-advised ruling,” signer Joanna Milkowski quoted Gandhi: “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” Another called on people to “Help the Babies!!!!”

Dodge even suggested that these bird groups are “extremists” who “need to be marginalized” just like “Islamic jihadists.”

“It’s ugly; it’s gotten very vicious,” said Travis Longcore of the Urban Wildlands Group, one of the organizations that sued the city on behalf of the birds. “It’s not like we’ve got a vendetta here. This is a real environmental issue, a real public health issue.”

Although neutering and releasing the cats “appeals to the illusion of a win-win situation,” Longcore said, the birds and other wildlife are losing out. “The fact is, you decide not to kill cats and instead you kill wildlife.”

Those cats, Longcore said, often are diseased. And when colonies are fed, the practice often attracts more cats, either from around the neighborhood or because people dump new cats.

At San Pedro’s Cabrillo Beach, a feral cat colony resides near where snowy plovers nest, said Garry George, conservation chairman for the Los Angeles Audubon Society. At San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, George said, feral cats have wiped out the California quail population. And in San Diego, feral cats roam free near a habitat for the California least tern, which officials are trying to monitor and protect, he said.

But even if environmental reviews are conducted, the question at the core of the dispute would remain: Does neutering feral cats effectively reduce their numbers?

Longcore, in a paper published in the scientific journal Conservation Biology, suggests that it does not, making him a prime target for cat lovers.

He cited two studies, including one in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Assn., that used mathematical models to determine that 71% to 94% of the cats in a colony must be neutered in order for the numbers to decline. In two feral colonies monitored in Florida, Longcore reported, the population actually increased because people dumped new cats.

In Los Angeles County, the environmental health department said that the approach has been “collectively ineffectual” and that all county-monitored colonies had significantly increased in number. Gail VanGordon, chief of the county’s vector management program, said that in addition to colonies not being reduced or eliminated, feral cats create public health concerns that result from feces and fleas.

But inside FixNation, the dedicated army of cat lovers is convinced its work is making a difference. Last year alone, the organization — one of several in Southern California — neutered 15,660 feral cats.

Trap-neuter-release advocates say it’s common sense: Isn’t it better to neuter those cats than to have them out breeding?

“This program has been a boon to animal control folks because it helps them manage an issue in a way that the community approves,” said Francis Battista, founder of Best Friends Animal Society, which helps fund FixNation. “If you take feral cats to a shelter, they’re dead. Nobody’s going to adopt it.”

That’s part of what drives Roberta Garten, one of FixNation’s “master trappers.”

She roams the streets of Los Angeles at night in search of feral cats. Armed with a flashlight and a Honda full of a cat’s delights — canned tuna, desiccated fish flakes, sardines, dry kibble and catnip — she might trap 16 to 20 animals a week. In one two-block radius in Lincoln Heights, she helped trap and fix more than 40 feral cats.

Residents, several of whom feed the feral cats, come outside to help, thanking Garten for her efforts. She’s so tuned in to the neighborhoods where she traps that she recognizes each hiding space and kitty, including one particularly stubborn black cat that had been successfully evading her traps and stinky fish.

After a long, cold night of waiting, one curious cat finally wanders into the cage. Garten checks the cat’s right ear. It’s not snipped, the telltale sign that it hasn’t been neutered — eliciting a “hallelujah” cry of success from Garten.

“I feel like I’m doing something worthwhile,” Garten said. “I feel like it’s helping this neighborhood a lot.”

kimi.yoshino@latimes.com

Copyright © 2010, The Los Angeles Times

Do you have homeless cats in your neighborhood that you would like to get fixed? Do you have a friendly stray cat that you are concerned about? Have you noticed litters of kittens springing up left and right? Or are you a responsible pet owner and would like to get your cat spayed or neutered? (Or maybe you want to, but you can’t really afford to?)
FixNation is a non-profit organization providing free spay/neuter services for homeless, stray and feral cats, as well as reduced rate spay/neuter services for tame cats. …

good info below:
If you are adopting an adult cat, you should be aware that it will take time for him to feel secure in his new environment. Be patient as he will come around eventually and you can reap the rewards of having an adult cat, and you will have bypassed most of the training.

If you have acquired an adult cat, transport him home in a carrier, where he will be safe and secure. Do not be tempted to let him loose in the car. He will most likely be fearful and could scratch or bite you while he is trying to hide.

Once home, do not turn him loose in the house. Your primary concern in to ensure that he has a safe refuge away from people and other pets. Unlike a kitten, he will not cry for his siblings, but he will probably seek out a hiding place in his room.

Provide him with water and food dishes and a litter pan in his room. If he hides under a piece of furniture, place a cat bed or small blanket there for his comfort. He will not use a pillow or cat bed in the open until he feels secure.

Cats do not like changes. They especially dislike moving to a new house or being confronted with any new furniture in their old one. So your adult cat has a double burden to contend with because he has lost both his old home and his old furnishing.

There is no yardstick by which you can measure how long it will take for your cat to feel comfortable. Some will come around within a few days and others may take weeks or even months. Patience is the key to helping him adjust.

Avoid talking loudly and do not make sudden movements. Cats dislike noise and raised voices almost as much as they dislike a new house. Do not pick him up against his will and do not force him to come out of hiding. This will frighten him and he may not be able to trust you again.

As long as he is easting food, drinking water and using his litter pan, you have won half the battle. If he is too afraid to come to you, try sitting quietly on the floor and talking softly to him.

I love my cats because I love my home, and little by little they become its visible soul.’
~Jean Couteau

Female cats can be spayed almost any time from as young as 4 months. DO IT!!!

All pets including cats, dogs and horses are at risk for dehydration, especially in the warm months. Pets at higher risk include older or very young ones, pregnant, nursing or sick animals. Dogs may overdo it when exercising with you and physically drain themselves, leading to a problem. Keep an eye on the animals to prevent it. If you do suspect dehydration, then try these suggestions.

Look for visible signs. These symptoms include sunken eyes, exhaustion or dry mouth.

Visit the vet for a quick blood test to check for dehydration. Do this test especially if your pet was without water for a long period of time.

Test your dog or cat’s skin elasticity. Gently pull the skin near the middle of your pet’s back. If he is dehydrated, then the skin won’t have its usual elasticity. It will “tent”.

Give her some food and see if she’ll eat. Another symptom of dehydration is a loss of appetite.

Check the gums. Expose the gums and press them gently and briefly with your thumb. Blood is forced through the gum and should return to its normal color within 2 seconds. If it does not, then it could be a sign.

Tips for a Pet-Safe Holiday Season Easy Tips for a Pet-Safe Holiday Season
There’s nothing more scrumptious than gathering with friends and family for the holidays, but many of the ingredients in human fun can result in distress for pets. As we kick off this season of lights, parties and yummy treats, the ASPCA wants to remind pet parents of the potential hazards certain goodies and décor can pose to our furry friends.

“As you prepare for your holiday celebrations,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President of ASPCA Animal Health Services, “remember to be wary of foods and traditions that can bring potential dangers to companion animals.”

In honor of the joyous season to come, ASPCA poison control experts offer these essential tips for having pets at the party in a safe way:

Avoid Too Much of a Good Thing
While the holidays are a time for giving, there are some foods you should not share with your furry friends. A taste of mashed potato or a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn’t pose a problem. However, alcoholic beverages, coffee, onions, fatty foods, yeast dough and macadamia nuts can all lead to stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. A special no-no is chocolate, which if ingested can lead to death. And you may want to skip sharing the turkey—poultry bones can splinter and cause blockages.

Put the Meds Away
One of the most common holiday-related emergencies is the consumption of human pharmaceuticals. Make sure all your medications are securely locked away, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.

That Holiday Glow
When you leave the room, put the candles out! Animals can easily knock lit candles over, causing a fire, and curious cats are particularly at risk of getting burned by candle flames. Also, be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on stable surfaces.

Decorations Can Be Dangerous
Holiday decorations such as breakable ornaments, string, ribbon and dreidels should be kept out of paws’ reach. These traditional decorations can cause choking or severe intestinal problems if swallowed. All holiday light strands, loose wires and electric cords can also pose serious dangers to your pet, especially puppies, who may chew on them.

Go Tinsel-less
Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It’s best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.

Forgo the Flowers
Be careful with holiday floral arrangements. Lilies are commonly used this time of year and all varieties, including Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Stargazer and Casa Blanca can cause kidney failure in cats. In addition, common Yuletide plants such as mistletoe and holly berries can be potentially toxic to pets. Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Safe alternatives include artificial flowers made from silk or plastic.

Oh, Christmas Tree
Cats often see trees as fabulous climbing posts. Be sure to securely anchor your tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. Also keep in mind that tree water may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset if ingested. Stagnant tree water can also act as a breeding ground for bacteria, and, if ingested, a pet may suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

New Year’s Noise
As you count down to the New Year, be alert to any pet hazards such as noise-makers and confetti. Noise-makers can frighten your pets, causing them to bolt out an open door or window. Confetti, if ingested, can wreak havoc on the digestive tract.

Holiday Travel
Before traveling with your pets by car or plane, make sure they have all the required vaccinations and are wearing identification tags or are microchipped. If you’re traveling by car, be sure to secure your pet safely with a seatbelt harness, crate or barrier and make frequent stops, allowing pets time to exercise and relieve themselves.

If your dog or cat accidentally ingests any potentially harmful products and you need emergency advice, please consult your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee applies) or www.aspca.org/apcc.

I would not travel without it.. click the links..

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David Pogue of NY TIMES.. Love him..

fact:
ten million dogs and cats are put to death in shelters each year

An unspayed female cat, her mate and all of their offspring, producing 2 litters per year, with 2.8 surviving kittens per litter can total:

1 year: 12
2 years: 67
3 years: 376
4 years: 2,107
5 years: 11,801
6 years: 66,088
7 years: 370,092
8 years: 2,072,514
9 years: 11,606,077

An unspayed female dog, her mate and all of their puppies, if none are ever neutered or spayed, add up to:

1 year: 16
2 years: 128
3 years: 512
4 years: 2,048
5 years: 12,288
6 years: 67,000

from: Feral Cat Alliance

Though feral cats are members of the domestic cat species and are protected under state anti-cruelty laws, they are typically fearful of humans. Feral cats should not be taken to animal control pounds and shelters. Feral cats’ needs are not met by the current animal control and shelter system, because animals who are not adoptable are killed.

Feral cats live outside, but are killed in shelters. Even no-kill shelters are not able to place feral cats in homes. Learn more about the animal control system. Feral kittens can be adopted. Feral kittens can often be adopted into homes, but they must be socialized at an early age.

There is a critical window, and if they aren’t handled in time, they will remain feral and therefore unadoptable. Learn more about kittens and socialization. Feral cats can have the same lifespan as pet cats. And they are just as healthy, too. The incidence of disease in feral cats is just as low as in pet cats. They live healthy, natural lives on their own, content in their outdoor home.

Humans are the cause of wildlife depletion. Studies show that the overwhelming cause of wildlife depletion is destruction of natural habitat due to manmade structures, chemical pollution, pesticides, and drought — not feral cats. Learn more about the human toll on birds. Catch and kill doesn’t work. Animal control’s endless, cruel cycle is extremely costly to taxpayers. Cats choose to reside in locations for two reasons: there is a food source—(intended or not)—and shelter. When cats are removed from a location, survivors breed to capacity or new cats move in. This vacuum effect is well documented. Trap-Neuter-Return does work. No more kittens.

The population stabilizes and their lives are improved. The behaviors and stresses associated with mating, such as yowling or fighting, stop. The cats are vaccinated before being returned to their outdoor home. Not only does Trap-Neuter-Return make good sense, it is also a responsible, humane method of care for outdoor cats.

Learn more about conducting Trap-Neuter-Return.

URGENT!!!!!

PurrEver Ranch is in dire need of permanent housing. Our landlord passed and the property has been appraised. Widow has been advised to sell.

We despurrately need to find a new home and soon. Ideally, we would like a farm on at least 50 acres with barns but a country home on 10 acres with a workshop would be a dream come true.

SOMEONE OUT THERE CAN MAKE A DREAM
COME TRUE AND SAVE MANY, MANY LIVES.
PLEASE HELP US FIND A NEW HOME!!

DONATIONS NEEDED TO SECURE PERMANENT HOUSING!!!

We would like to stay in this area but
will relocate should property be donated.

Please remember to include PurrEver Ranch in your will.

I LOVE THIS PLACE!! It is exactly the type of shelter I would like to have..

please donate if you can..    Jan

PurrEver Ranch Sanctuary … link
501c (A Hospice For Senior Kittizens)

“Providing A Hospice For Homeless, Elderly Felines

A Chance To Live Out Their Lives In Peace
With Dignity, Compassion & Love”

PurrEver Ranch rescues senior felines from shelter euthanization.

Providing a safe hospice where the homeless,

senior kittizens live the rest of their lives blanketed in love.

PurrEver Ranch also feeds two feral colonies every day.

Taming feral kittens to avoid shelter euthanization–

returning to shelter to be adopted after they are gentled.

PurrEver Ranch is a place of refuge for cats that would otherwise perish -

the old, the abandoned, the abused, the sick & the suffering.