NORTH HAVEN, CT (WFSB) - There is outrage over a law that allows cities and towns to euthanize cats.
The law was put in place to address problems with feral cats.
But advocates say that this is cruel and there are better ways to take care of these animals.
Puss is a two-year-old cat. Her owner doesn’t want her anymore, adding to the number of felines at Marcie’s Angels Cat Café.
“The cats typically come from the streets of Hartford -owner surrenders – their owners have passed away,” said Beth Drazak, who works at the café.
Since August, she has found homes for 28 cats. Most of the felines are domesticated, unlike feral cats.
They live outside and have very little interaction with people. They are also often aggressive and spread disease.
A state law that passed in 1996 allows cities and town to control feral cat colonies.
North Haven has become the latest town to enforce this law. Starting Monday, they will start trapping feral cats.
Police say that there have been complaints about the cats causing unsanitary conditions as well as put domestic animals in danger. In one instance, a dog lost an eye after being attacked.
They are also at risk for spreading rabies.
Towns can trap the animal, but they must also notify the public about that specific cat. If no one claims it, the town can euthanize them in seven days.
“It really isn’t a sensible option, given the fact it’s inhumane. And basically killing cats that are innocent they are out there because of human irresponsibility,” said Susan Lenker of Our Companions Animal Rescue.
Some feed feral cats and most agree that is not a good thing to do.
Advocates want them trapped, but then spayed and neutered. However, that costs money.
“I honestly think we need more vets to that would offer low cost spay and neuter – even if they did it one weekend a month,” continued Drazak.
Some are also concerned that domesticated cats might be mistaken for a feral cat. However feral cats are much less approachable.
North Haven is advising people to keep their cats inside until the trapping is over, but they are not saying how long that will be.
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