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THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1998 -Humane Societ To the Editor: I would like to respond to the letter from Ms. Eileen Hutcheson published in the September 10 issue of the Tanner. In her latter, Ms. Hutcheson claimed that the legality of trapping feral cats is ina "very gray area". How- ever, Ms. Hutchinson has been assured by the Ontario Humane Society as well as by the police that trapping feral cats is perfectly legal. In fact, every day feral cats and other animals are humanely trapped by a number of or- ganizations across the prov- ince, such as humane socie- ties, other animal welfare groups, and some munici- palities. (Contes 264 Main St. N., Acton to do the job nght." 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A family Building Tradition Since 1964. fe "We have everything you need : Ms. Hutcheson claims that the Upper Credit Hu- mane Society works in se- crecy. However, during the first of Ms. Hutcheson's sev- eral calls to the society, she was told everything about the program including where, why and how it is being done. Our understanding was that Ms. Hutcheson simply didn't agree with what she heard. We ask people to keep in mind that the Upper Credit Humane Society is a small organization with a limited budget and a large area to cover. We do our best to let people know about our pro- grams. For example, the hu- mane society tries to have a booth at every major commu- nity event in Acton. Staffing Ori NS) CAMDE Al] Work G 265 Guelph St, Georgetown 873-2526 5 3 SOLID OAK | Quality & Craftmanship : that stands the test of time 4 4 2 O » » e » a t "N i FS. SB % Sh eur K 4 Peer ing Se fxr y our booth are knowledgeable volunteers who can explain what the local humane soci- ety does for the animals in the community. The Upper Credit Humane Society also, publishes a free newsletter several times a year and we're working on a web site that will contain up-to-date information on our activities. Most of the veterinarians in the area are aware of the work we do, as are many resi- dents of Acton, some of whom have adopted pets from us or surrendered un- wanted animals into our care. The telephone number of our organization is published lo- cally and we have an answer- ing machine if no one is available to take the call. We ee Gas Ne aoe Snow Plowing & Removal Sand & Gravel Septic Beds Topsoil Ponds & ed Pac) 2 aye A traditional exterior, viding an efficient U-shaped workin and a large work island with a hand ably accommodate large , Stately manor featuring ornate brickwork, a gable style roof, and a dramatic high arched entrance, recalls the time honoured heritage look of the English countryside. At almost | 70°-0" wide, it creates a stately appearance. : 7 Enter into a spacious foyer, open to the second storey and brightened by an overhead window. French doors lead into a den ideally located to serve as an office for the home executive. A spacious plan for the living and dining room creates a comfortably large area for formal enter- taining and features the unique addition of an overhead planter ledge as well as stylish ceiling treatments, and arched entranceways. The kitchen is designed for those who love to cook, pro- g area with plenty of cupboard and counter space, a pantry ly breakfast bar. The family room is extra large to comfort- numbers for more informal gatherings. Upstairs, all four bed- rooms are a good size.. French doors lead into a¥ deluxe master bedroom which features a five piece ensuite with a raised soaker || ovens, eins I\ sei Ly \ A y \ yes hardly do our work in secret. In regard to the feral cats in question. Life is not kind or gentle to feral cats. Their lives are usually short and often come to an end only after a period of suffering because of illness or injury. In addition, most feral fe- males are almost constantly pregnant and the kittens that are born to them suffer terri- bly. Earlier this month the humane society picked up two 7-week-old feral kittens from Acton. According to the veterinarian's report on these poor creatures, they were in- Says trapping feral cats severe dehydration. Ms. Hutcheson wrote a letter to the head office of the humane society in which she stated, and I quote, "Now and then a sickly litter is born; they don't survive. Nature seems to take care of its over- population." From this I as- sume that Ms. Hutcheson feels that we should leave these unfortunates to suffer and die in agony. Frankly, I refuse to accept that. I can- not imagine anyone looking at a suffering animal, par- ticularly an infant, and decid- ing to 'let nature take care of fested with fleas and lice; __ its own' when it is within his both were comatose and in circulatory collapse/shock when admitted. Both kittens were lean and suffering from or her power to do something about it. Several people, having read Ms. Hutcheson's letter, tub. The games room offers ample room for a variety of games equipment, or, with the addition of a a closet, | could be transformed into a splendid fifth bedroom. handling). 519 853-2464 ] iv : MAIN FLOOR PLAN 1922 $0, FT. Plans for U-960 may be obtained for $625 for a package of five complete sets of working prints and $59 for each additional set of the same plan. 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Some \ at. is legal have called the humane so- ciety and questioned how we can tell feral cats from pet cats that have strayed. The simple truth is that feral cats and owned cats are as differ- ent as night and day. While any cat might be excited or scared after being held in a humane trap, feral cats are as wild as any wild animal would be. If we have any doubt whatever that the cat in the trap is someone's pet rather than a feral, it is im- mediately released where it was trapped. After a cat has been hu- manely trapped, it is taken to a veterinarian where profes- sionals check its health and temperament and provide any necessary medical care. The cat is then held for a minimum of three days dur- ing which people regularly work with the animal to as- sess its health and tempera- ment in greater detail. If, during this time, it is deter- mined that the cat came from a home, and I should point out that that determination has never been made about any of the cats humanely trapped in the Acton area, the society makes every effort to return the cat to its owner. Our humane traps are set only on private property and only after we have been con- vinced that there is a need to do so. Indeed, only a rela- tively few cats or kittens have been trapped in Acton and the surrounding area over the years. Itaverages out to about sickly that they had to euthanized while a few were spayed or neutered and were adopted as barn cats. None of the adult cats were suitable house pets. Some kittens were saved and tamed to the point that they could be adopted as pets. People who are concerned about what the Upper Credit Humane Society is doing re- garding feral cats might try calling their local council member and requesting that the municipality take over the job. Failing that, the hu- mane society would be glad to house the cats at the local animal control facility if council would allow us to do so. Some local newspapers run humane society animal pictures and news as a free public service. The Upper Credit Humane Society would be please to provide the Tanner with pictures and local information on a regu- lar basis. If you thing that this service would be useful to the community, contact the Tanner and ask them to run it. We accept that there are other humane ways to deal with feral cat colonies. A few hard working people in vari- ous Communities throughout North America have actually managed to establish healthy feral cat colonies. It is hard work with few rewards ex- cept the knowledge that through you these animals will live longer, healthier lives. The Upper Credit Hu- mane Society would be will- ing to provide financial as- sistance to any group ready to take on the responsibility of caring for a local feral colony. In order to qualify for Continued on Page 19