I recently ran across this law that was passed in Cook County two years. I am a cat person, but for the life of me I can't see how this is a good idea. Basically, people can have feral cat colonies at their homes by following a few guidelines. They are supposed to neuter, clip the ears for identification purposes, give rabies inoculations, feed, and provide shelter for any number of "wild" cats that may happen to show up for a free meal. There is no limit on the number of cats, nor any provision for being responsible for any property damage, or injuries inflicted on other pets or people by these cats.
I find it hard to believe that people are going to do much more than feed and provide shelter to these animals. Feral cats are dangerous, the average person would have their hands full trying to catch, treat, and release these animals. Also, how would you like two dozen wild cats living in your neighbor's garage and using your backyard as their bathroom and hunting preserve? I can see the bird and squirrel populations near these colonies taking a nosedive, but I guess that's OK. I think the politicians have screwed up again.
Explanation of program:
http://www.pawschicago.org/animalwelfare/trap_neuter_return.htm#TNROrdinance
I find it hard to believe that people are going to do much more than feed and provide shelter to these animals. Feral cats are dangerous, the average person would have their hands full trying to catch, treat, and release these animals. Also, how would you like two dozen wild cats living in your neighbor's garage and using your backyard as their bathroom and hunting preserve? I can see the bird and squirrel populations near these colonies taking a nosedive, but I guess that's OK. I think the politicians have screwed up again.
Explanation of program:
http://www.pawschicago.org/animalwelfare/trap_neuter_return.htm#TNROrdinance