Why do I ever look on Kijiji? I post ads about my rescue and have found some wonderful volunteers and compassionate people, but when I see so many ads to "get rid of" a cat or "free kittens" it makes me sick.
The following is an example of someone giving away kittens. When I asked for more information, this is the story I got:
Date: Wed, 29 Apr 2009
From: katsonya@accesswave.ca :
RE: Reply to your "Kittens For FREE!!" Ad on Kijiji
To: debra
____________________________________________
can you tell me more about these kittens?
She replies:
They are six weeks old.I cant tell if they're boys or girls they're healthy.i own the mother, shes the most loving cat ever.the father is a male cat from the neighbor hood & hes a tabby.
So I stupidly reply again, offering to help:
Hi Debra, If you are interested in getting the mother cat spayed, I can get you a discount at my vet. Then I would be willing to take these kittens to adopt into loving homes that can afford their health care. One of the pictures shows a kitten with black, white and orange – calico cats are always girls. Sonya Higgins
then she tells me____________________________________________
hi first of all i also have another cat that had 3 kittens 3 weeks ago a black and white 1 and 2 orange ones they are all short hair also i was wondering how all calico can be females when the mother is not a calico so that would mean that the father is i think anyways how much would it coast me to get both females spayed and i dont have a car or any way 2 get them to a vet
End quote. So the only way I could possibly help someone like this is to put myself in great personal debt to spay/neuter her pets and take away all the kittens. This would probably not teach her any lesson about the importance of Sp/neutering because the next cat she gets, she will figure, "hey, Sonya will just take care of it for me"
In conversations with other animal rescuers and shelter managers, I hear a lot of different philosophies, such as "if you can't afford an animal, you should not get it in the first place" What about those softies who can't bear to watch a starving stray and when they start feeding it, more cats show up, start mating and make a colony on the kind person's property? It is so easy to get in over your head. The local SPCA used to tell people not to feed stray cats if they didn't want them around. Or that if they did feed the cat, it was now thiers, so they had to pay to get it fixed and the shelter wouldn' t take it. Luckily, their position statements have changed, pointing out that NOT feeding is inhumane and even starving pets still mate.
Wow, I got off topic here... Kijiji sucks for pets... The posts should be only permitted for rescue groups and animal related services, not backyard breeders and people who continually allow thier cat to have kttens by accident... We need a TNR and spay and neuter clinic here in the Halifax area NOW
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Adoptathon
Healing Animal SCARS is sniffing out good owners for homeless pets.
Thousands of animal welfare organizations in cities across North America and around the world are teaming up with Healing Animal SCARS for Pet Adoptathon 2009, an event designed to unite pet-loving adopters with homeless pets that are in need of quality homes. Pet Adoptathon, founded by North Shore Animal League America, is a 36-hour event scheduled for May 2nd and 3rd that aims to link thousands of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens with good loving adopters.
Pet Adoptathon 2009 will kick off at 9am, Saturday May 2nd.
Name of organization Healing Animal SCARS
Address 143 Briarwood Drive
Day/Date Sat, May 2nd and Sun, May 3rd
Time 9am to 8pm
For more information, call 469-MEOW.
Looking for that special someone in your life? That lifelong companion? Lifelong friends have been hard to find
... until now.
Healing Animal SCARS has just the friend for you — a furry friend, that is. On May 2nd - 3rd, we are
joining thousands of other animal welfare organizations throughout the world for Pet Adoptathon 2009. The annual worldwide event, founded by North Shore Animal League America, was organized to make lifelong friends by matching adorable homeless pets with loving people — like you.
Special Pet Adoptathon 2009 activities include things you won’t want to miss. Specially trained volunteers will help find you the perfect pet to match your lifestyle.
So visit Healing Animal SCARS at 143 Briarwood Drive in Eastern Passage on May 2nd - 3rd, from 9am to 8pm to find your lifelong friend. For more information, call 469-MEOW
Thousands of animal welfare organizations in cities across North America and around the world are teaming up with Healing Animal SCARS for Pet Adoptathon 2009, an event designed to unite pet-loving adopters with homeless pets that are in need of quality homes. Pet Adoptathon, founded by North Shore Animal League America, is a 36-hour event scheduled for May 2nd and 3rd that aims to link thousands of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens with good loving adopters.
Pet Adoptathon 2009 will kick off at 9am, Saturday May 2nd.
Name of organization Healing Animal SCARS
Address 143 Briarwood Drive
Day/Date Sat, May 2nd and Sun, May 3rd
Time 9am to 8pm
For more information, call 469-MEOW.
Looking for that special someone in your life? That lifelong companion? Lifelong friends have been hard to find
... until now.
Healing Animal SCARS has just the friend for you — a furry friend, that is. On May 2nd - 3rd, we are
joining thousands of other animal welfare organizations throughout the world for Pet Adoptathon 2009. The annual worldwide event, founded by North Shore Animal League America, was organized to make lifelong friends by matching adorable homeless pets with loving people — like you.
Special Pet Adoptathon 2009 activities include things you won’t want to miss. Specially trained volunteers will help find you the perfect pet to match your lifestyle.
So visit Healing Animal SCARS at 143 Briarwood Drive in Eastern Passage on May 2nd - 3rd, from 9am to 8pm to find your lifelong friend. For more information, call 469-MEOW
TNR - overcoming objections
TNR involves several aspects to be successful. First we humanely trap each cat and transport it to a vet for testing for disease, vaccinations to keep it healthy, and it is spayed or neutered to prevent further populations of cats from being born. (After a cat is surgically altered, it will stop many, if not all, of the undesirable behaviours, such as spraying urine to mark territory, howling and fighting during mating, and it will improve the cat's quality of life.)
TNR Part 1: If the cat is feral or wild, we would opt to return it to the original location - relocation is rarely an option, as it requires weeks of containment in the new area to ensure the cats doesn't just run away. A newcomer cat is not always welcome in an existing or new colony and would have to fight for food and hierarchy within that colony.
TNR Part 2: If the cat is tame or we find a kitten, obviously we don't want to return it to a hard life on the streets, so we put it into an adoption program.
TNR Part 3: If the cat tests positive for either Feline Leukemia or Feline AIDS (FIV) then we would opt for humane euthanasia. This prevents suffering of the individual sick animal and also serves to protect the countless number of other cats who could be infected from one sick feline.
TNR = Trap, Neuter, Return: It is all part of having a healthy, stable, sterile colony of cats returned to keep the colony from growing. Google information on the vacuum effect for cat colonies that are simply removed, you will see that it is only a band-aid to a much larger problem. Removing all the cats simply leaves space for more cats to move into the territory and start reproducing. They cycle continues. Once a whole colony has been TNR'ed, if a new cat is abandoned or shows up at a colony that has already been fully fixed, then we can catch the newcomer right away and get it fixed to prevent more kittens.
I got 2 females from the Cove spayed last week, and both were pregnant... Do you think I should have left those dozen kittens to be born outside and suffer with the rest? NO - we must spay and neuter all the cats there ASAP if we don't want dozens of kittens being born this season. Of those born, less than half will survive to 6 weeks, succumbing to cold, starvation, infection and parasites, or being eaten alive by larger prey. So let's do TNR to help the whole problem. Some objections are easy to overcome, others need a little research into a solution, but I believe that we can do it!
Once returned, the cats will have 3 things to improve conditions:
1. Shelter
2. Feeding station
3. Litter boxes
TNR Part 1: If the cat is feral or wild, we would opt to return it to the original location - relocation is rarely an option, as it requires weeks of containment in the new area to ensure the cats doesn't just run away. A newcomer cat is not always welcome in an existing or new colony and would have to fight for food and hierarchy within that colony.
TNR Part 2: If the cat is tame or we find a kitten, obviously we don't want to return it to a hard life on the streets, so we put it into an adoption program.
TNR Part 3: If the cat tests positive for either Feline Leukemia or Feline AIDS (FIV) then we would opt for humane euthanasia. This prevents suffering of the individual sick animal and also serves to protect the countless number of other cats who could be infected from one sick feline.
TNR = Trap, Neuter, Return: It is all part of having a healthy, stable, sterile colony of cats returned to keep the colony from growing. Google information on the vacuum effect for cat colonies that are simply removed, you will see that it is only a band-aid to a much larger problem. Removing all the cats simply leaves space for more cats to move into the territory and start reproducing. They cycle continues. Once a whole colony has been TNR'ed, if a new cat is abandoned or shows up at a colony that has already been fully fixed, then we can catch the newcomer right away and get it fixed to prevent more kittens.
I got 2 females from the Cove spayed last week, and both were pregnant... Do you think I should have left those dozen kittens to be born outside and suffer with the rest? NO - we must spay and neuter all the cats there ASAP if we don't want dozens of kittens being born this season. Of those born, less than half will survive to 6 weeks, succumbing to cold, starvation, infection and parasites, or being eaten alive by larger prey. So let's do TNR to help the whole problem. Some objections are easy to overcome, others need a little research into a solution, but I believe that we can do it!
Once returned, the cats will have 3 things to improve conditions:
1. Shelter
2. Feeding station
3. Litter boxes
Update on Fisherman's Cove colony of cats
April 29th
Here is an update: I have take 8 cats in total from Fisherman's Cove. Four of them were kittens or tame cats that had been dumped there, so I sent them into adoption programs. They don't deserve to endure the hazards of living outside!
The other 4 cats were young semi-ferals that I wanted to return to the Cove after they had been tested, vaccinated and spayed/neutered, BUT too many people were objecting to me returning them. Some fishermen threatened to kill them if they caught the cats on board their vessels... Harbour authorities also said they will poison them. Other cruel individuals threaten to shoot them, just because they see the cats as a nuisance.
So I ended up relocating these 4 cats to a barn, thanks to help from the Provincial SPCA
A maintenance worker was quite upset with me for removing cats - and told me I better pay for rat removal too! How can I please everyone?
The day after an article was published in the Chronicle Herald, I found a dead cat at the Cove, so it was sent for an autopsy, to determine if it was natural causes or cruelty (ex: shooting, poison, drowning). I am aware that some people making threats are just "acting tough" but I have had confirmed reports of men beating a cat to death with a shovel... I don't want to catch the individuals, just to educate the community at large about cats and hopefully prevent more cruelty.
I know TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) is the only effective way of managing cat colonies, but I cannot get the locals of Fisherman's Cove to come to an agreement on what to do... Some folks are mad if I don't take away the cats, others are upset if I DO take away the cats.. I just can't win!!! And nobody in the community has offered to assist financially, so I have to fundraise and spend money out of my own pocket to pay for the vet work.
If all the cats were removed, it creates a vacuum effect and more cats would move into the territory and start the cycle all over again. So TNR is the only way to maintain a stable colony size and keep the rat catchers working!
Two of the cats I caught were pregnant, so the vet spayed them to prevent the birth of more kittens who would suffer. One black cat has had her kittens and is hiding them outside somewhere, hopefully I will find them before it's too late. There are also 2 other pregnant cats there, ready to drop any day!
Suggestions are welcomed.
Here is an update: I have take 8 cats in total from Fisherman's Cove. Four of them were kittens or tame cats that had been dumped there, so I sent them into adoption programs. They don't deserve to endure the hazards of living outside!
The other 4 cats were young semi-ferals that I wanted to return to the Cove after they had been tested, vaccinated and spayed/neutered, BUT too many people were objecting to me returning them. Some fishermen threatened to kill them if they caught the cats on board their vessels... Harbour authorities also said they will poison them. Other cruel individuals threaten to shoot them, just because they see the cats as a nuisance.
So I ended up relocating these 4 cats to a barn, thanks to help from the Provincial SPCA
A maintenance worker was quite upset with me for removing cats - and told me I better pay for rat removal too! How can I please everyone?
The day after an article was published in the Chronicle Herald, I found a dead cat at the Cove, so it was sent for an autopsy, to determine if it was natural causes or cruelty (ex: shooting, poison, drowning). I am aware that some people making threats are just "acting tough" but I have had confirmed reports of men beating a cat to death with a shovel... I don't want to catch the individuals, just to educate the community at large about cats and hopefully prevent more cruelty.
I know TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) is the only effective way of managing cat colonies, but I cannot get the locals of Fisherman's Cove to come to an agreement on what to do... Some folks are mad if I don't take away the cats, others are upset if I DO take away the cats.. I just can't win!!! And nobody in the community has offered to assist financially, so I have to fundraise and spend money out of my own pocket to pay for the vet work.
If all the cats were removed, it creates a vacuum effect and more cats would move into the territory and start the cycle all over again. So TNR is the only way to maintain a stable colony size and keep the rat catchers working!
Two of the cats I caught were pregnant, so the vet spayed them to prevent the birth of more kittens who would suffer. One black cat has had her kittens and is hiding them outside somewhere, hopefully I will find them before it's too late. There are also 2 other pregnant cats there, ready to drop any day!
Suggestions are welcomed.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Harbourville Cats still around
The following is an email I recieved moments ago from Laurie Wheeler, of HART
Hello everyone,
Scott Saunders, Anthony Watton and myself all went to the Wharf at Harbourville late this afternoon to post signs. Much to our total disbelief we immediately spotted two ferals on the restaurant deck. I will attach pics later, IF they turned out. We were so shocked. These are the two that live under the deck area of the restaurant. We immediately went over to the rocks by the water, not too close to the restaurant, and didn't see any evidence of the other cats. We waited a while, but nothing. We are wondering if perhaps the colony living in the rocks are the ones removed? We have no idea why the two cats at the restaurant went missing for a few days. When I had received the telephone call from the restaurant owner, Elke Huber, she was adamant that ALL of the feral cats were gone. She was very sure of it. We are praying that they are still alive, but still have many doubts. I personally can't help but wonder why the two we saw this evening were there if the others are gone, or why they went missing for a few days, and did not touch their every day feedings for a few days .... beats the heck out of me. Needless to say, we did not post ANYTHING. If ALL of the ferals are still there then we still want to perform a TNR. We want this done ASAP. We cannot do anything until we know we can return these cats after having them altered and tested, IF they are still there. If there are only the two cats by the restaurant we will still TNR those two. A meeting must be held asap regarding this URGENT matter to deal with these cats PROPERLY (TNR). I wish we knew had more proof of whether they are or are not there. I need someone to camp out there and watch the "rock area"!!! Any volunteers??!!!
Warm regards, Laurie WheelerPresident, H.A.R.T.
visit our website:www.valleyhart.com
Please spay and neuter your pet!
Hello everyone,
Scott Saunders, Anthony Watton and myself all went to the Wharf at Harbourville late this afternoon to post signs. Much to our total disbelief we immediately spotted two ferals on the restaurant deck. I will attach pics later, IF they turned out. We were so shocked. These are the two that live under the deck area of the restaurant. We immediately went over to the rocks by the water, not too close to the restaurant, and didn't see any evidence of the other cats. We waited a while, but nothing. We are wondering if perhaps the colony living in the rocks are the ones removed? We have no idea why the two cats at the restaurant went missing for a few days. When I had received the telephone call from the restaurant owner, Elke Huber, she was adamant that ALL of the feral cats were gone. She was very sure of it. We are praying that they are still alive, but still have many doubts. I personally can't help but wonder why the two we saw this evening were there if the others are gone, or why they went missing for a few days, and did not touch their every day feedings for a few days .... beats the heck out of me. Needless to say, we did not post ANYTHING. If ALL of the ferals are still there then we still want to perform a TNR. We want this done ASAP. We cannot do anything until we know we can return these cats after having them altered and tested, IF they are still there. If there are only the two cats by the restaurant we will still TNR those two. A meeting must be held asap regarding this URGENT matter to deal with these cats PROPERLY (TNR). I wish we knew had more proof of whether they are or are not there. I need someone to camp out there and watch the "rock area"!!! Any volunteers??!!!
Warm regards, Laurie WheelerPresident, H.A.R.T.
visit our website:www.valleyhart.com
Please spay and neuter your pet!
Atlantic Regional Summit
Hello animal people,
Check out this information – I plan to attend. It would be good to convince all HRM animal control/services staff to attend this summit.
I am especially concerned about the identification of deceased pets since I discovered last week that HRM does NOT check for microchips when they dispose of a pet carcass. Microchips can be an effective way of reuniting lost pets with their owners, but it would be good if municipalities would start to scan the dead bodies to see if they were micro-chipped so the owner can be identified and become aware of the outcome of their lost pet.
http://www.bsuas.com/Content/Documents/Document.ashx?DocId=43567
Sonya Higgins
Cat rescuer extraordinaire
469-MEOW
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NS28.html
Check out this information – I plan to attend. It would be good to convince all HRM animal control/services staff to attend this summit.
I am especially concerned about the identification of deceased pets since I discovered last week that HRM does NOT check for microchips when they dispose of a pet carcass. Microchips can be an effective way of reuniting lost pets with their owners, but it would be good if municipalities would start to scan the dead bodies to see if they were micro-chipped so the owner can be identified and become aware of the outcome of their lost pet.
http://www.bsuas.com/Content/Documents/Document.ashx?DocId=43567
Sonya Higgins
Cat rescuer extraordinaire
469-MEOW
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NS28.html
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Help needed to start TNR at Fisherman's Cove
I am looking for volunteers to help me start a TNR program in Eastern Passage at the Fisherman's Cove, where some fishermen want to get rid of the cats. We need to convince them that it is beneficial to keep a small sterilized colony of cats there to manage the rats, if we remove all the cats the vacuum effect will allow more new cats to move in and start the cycle all over again.
Update April 14th - I have captured 7 cats so far, 4 of them were adoptable and the other 3 have been spayed and neutered, etc. I want to be able to return these 3 cat sto their own home environemtn at Fisherman's Cove, but until I am convinced that there will be no cruelty I do not want to put the cats back. Any suggestions welcomed.
Update April 14th - I have captured 7 cats so far, 4 of them were adoptable and the other 3 have been spayed and neutered, etc. I want to be able to return these 3 cat sto their own home environemtn at Fisherman's Cove, but until I am convinced that there will be no cruelty I do not want to put the cats back. Any suggestions welcomed.
Friday, December 08, 2006
support needed for cat shelter - Denise's reply
Hi Sonya,
The neighbor that threatened to shut you down. What are the laws re a non profit on your property?
Re some of her concerns:
Increased foot traffic............no more than her family or daughter having people in. There are 3 of them and only 1 of you! People are on your property and not theirs. They may want to put up a fence if it bothers them that much. Bags of cat litter in the garbage.............well, there are not too many homes that do not have pets, and where else might the cat litter go? Verbal abuse from them is not called for. You are on your property and not theirs. Who and how many people are at your place should be nothing to them. If the verbal abuse and harassment keeps up you will; maybe have to look at a restraining order.Maybe your neighbors would prefer to see hundreds of cats running around, tearing up their flowers beds, etc..
I think you are doing a great job.
Denise
> Hello to all the wonderful supporters of Healing Animal SCARS,>> When I sent a mass email requesting help to insulate and drywall my shelter, I had many encouraging responses and ended up with 4 wonderful men who gladly volunteered their time. I cannot thank them and their families enough! I could never have done it myself, and am truly grateful for their community spirit. They ended up not only providing their construction services; one family decided to take 2 mother cats in to foster, and other volunteers joined the Simply Delicious Fundraising Sales Team - best $2 chocolate bar around! So I need to thank Bill Flowers, Marc Chenier, Marc Perron, Mike Power, Michael Pollett and Matthew for their help again today, trying to complete the job out in the shed.
However, as my city councillor, Becky Kent predicted, a neighbour has threatened to "get it shut down" because I don't have the right to do this next door to her home. This neighbour exploded at me today, and said she won't live next to a cat house. She seems to feel I am running a business - Ha! As if there were money to be made in rescuing cats! I am requesting your individual feedback. She has some valid concerns to be addressed, such as increased foot traffic and privacy issues, bags of cat litter in the garbage and so on. I did not want to impose upon my neighbours, just to help a few cats.
One of my volunteers was so taken aback by her verbal barrage of me that he spoke up to help, only to be physically threatened by the husband! I would really appreciate if my Board of Directors members can attend the meeting 7pm Wed, Sept 27th, as it is the only night we have available. I want to invite Becky Kent to attend our meeting so that she can address her concerns.
I also need help from anyone who wants to write to our councillor and local politicians to ask them to support a new animal rescue, instead of preventing it from doing good work, help find ways to do that work unobtrusively to my hostile neighbours. Time for campaigning! I can never thank you enough for helping get these cats off of the streets, away from misery, starvation and certain death. You can be proud knowing you have made a difference in saving real lives - 16 adoptions so far and counting. Let people know that pets are not disposable. Please pass your opinions to the politicians below, and any others you can think of! Email can be sent to Becky Kent here: mailto:kentb@halifax.ca> mailto:info@kevindeveaux.com is the way to reach Kevin Deveaux.
Please pass along your own opinion to our politicians and ask what they intend to do about the growing cat population in HRM. Shutting down a fledgling new rescue is not going to help - do they want to be seen as co-operative or non-supporting?
Thanks so much,
Sonya D. Higgins
The neighbor that threatened to shut you down. What are the laws re a non profit on your property?
Re some of her concerns:
Increased foot traffic............no more than her family or daughter having people in. There are 3 of them and only 1 of you! People are on your property and not theirs. They may want to put up a fence if it bothers them that much. Bags of cat litter in the garbage.............well, there are not too many homes that do not have pets, and where else might the cat litter go? Verbal abuse from them is not called for. You are on your property and not theirs. Who and how many people are at your place should be nothing to them. If the verbal abuse and harassment keeps up you will; maybe have to look at a restraining order.Maybe your neighbors would prefer to see hundreds of cats running around, tearing up their flowers beds, etc..
I think you are doing a great job.
Denise
> Hello to all the wonderful supporters of Healing Animal SCARS,>> When I sent a mass email requesting help to insulate and drywall my shelter, I had many encouraging responses and ended up with 4 wonderful men who gladly volunteered their time. I cannot thank them and their families enough! I could never have done it myself, and am truly grateful for their community spirit. They ended up not only providing their construction services; one family decided to take 2 mother cats in to foster, and other volunteers joined the Simply Delicious Fundraising Sales Team - best $2 chocolate bar around! So I need to thank Bill Flowers, Marc Chenier, Marc Perron, Mike Power, Michael Pollett and Matthew for their help again today, trying to complete the job out in the shed.
However, as my city councillor, Becky Kent predicted, a neighbour has threatened to "get it shut down" because I don't have the right to do this next door to her home. This neighbour exploded at me today, and said she won't live next to a cat house. She seems to feel I am running a business - Ha! As if there were money to be made in rescuing cats! I am requesting your individual feedback. She has some valid concerns to be addressed, such as increased foot traffic and privacy issues, bags of cat litter in the garbage and so on. I did not want to impose upon my neighbours, just to help a few cats.
One of my volunteers was so taken aback by her verbal barrage of me that he spoke up to help, only to be physically threatened by the husband! I would really appreciate if my Board of Directors members can attend the meeting 7pm Wed, Sept 27th, as it is the only night we have available. I want to invite Becky Kent to attend our meeting so that she can address her concerns.
I also need help from anyone who wants to write to our councillor and local politicians to ask them to support a new animal rescue, instead of preventing it from doing good work, help find ways to do that work unobtrusively to my hostile neighbours. Time for campaigning! I can never thank you enough for helping get these cats off of the streets, away from misery, starvation and certain death. You can be proud knowing you have made a difference in saving real lives - 16 adoptions so far and counting. Let people know that pets are not disposable. Please pass your opinions to the politicians below, and any others you can think of! Email can be sent to Becky Kent here: mailto:kentb@halifax.ca> mailto:info@kevindeveaux.com is the way to reach Kevin Deveaux.
Please pass along your own opinion to our politicians and ask what they intend to do about the growing cat population in HRM. Shutting down a fledgling new rescue is not going to help - do they want to be seen as co-operative or non-supporting?
Thanks so much,
Sonya D. Higgins
Forwarded by Edna on 09/19/2006 09:16 AM -----
"Kevin Deveaux" 09/19/2006 10:07 AM
To Edna
Subject Re: Stray cat population
Thanks for the e-mail. I appreciate your concern with regard to the need to have a better system for dealing with stray cats. As a "cat person" I have always been concerned with the need for a cat bylaw, but your description of how difficult it is to deal with stray cats may change my mind. As for a short-term solution, I would suggest asking some of the service clubs in the community (Lions, Buffaslo, Legion, KoC) if they would help fund a program through Dr. Steele so she has the funds to address this problem. In the longer term, as noted above, a bylaw may allow animal control to deal with such animals. Also, there may be a role for the Province in passing a law dealing with irresponsible owners and the need to spayed or neuter. I would be glad to discuss this in more detail with you, but I wanted to send you some early thoughts to see which direction you would like to proceed. Kevin Deveaux, MLA Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage
----- Original Message ----- From: edna. To: info@kevindeveaux.com ; kentb@halifax.ca Sent: Monday, September 18, 2006 3:38 PM
Subject: Stray cat population Hi, My name is Edna, I live on 15 Serop Cres., Heritage Hills. I have talked to Becky earlier this summer about the over population of stray cats. I wanted to drop you a quick line now, before I formally write to you and others. Late in July, I discovered that a stray cat had made a home under my deck and had a litter of kittens. The first week of August, I found another stray cat on my property and she too had a litter of kittens. I was basically stuck with these 2 mother cats and 9 kittens. I started making phone calls to various agencies to see what could be done, this is what I found:
The SPCA was full - and if they aren't you need to "trap" and bring in the cats yourselves - there is no assistance for this. (rent trap from MacFarlands and try and trap the cats). Liz from the SPCA actually recognized my voice I called day after day.
BideAwhile will not take feral cats,
Animal Control will not come and take cats as they do not fall under the ByLaw,
Of the approx. 30 vets I called only about 4 have cat shelters and they were full,
I called the SPCA in Truro also, although they were full they don't service our area,
Then I began calling the few cat shelters that I could find, Sonya - Healing Animal Scars was full at the time but very supportive and provided alot of information to educate and help me. She is a very energetic, caring, wonderful person who has helped so many people in the past, as I have found out from talking to people in the community. She couldn't take the kittens and cats in from my yard at the time, but offered help in calling people, to assist in trapping etc. Sonya is the only person that I found that is willing to deal with feral cats, to put the time into them that they need so they can be adopted.
I called Dr. Steele (Eastern Passage Vet) who has been so supportive through this whole process, before I called Becky to see what the cost would be if worse case I had to have the Stray cats and kitten euthanized. Most vets have a "no kill" policy so this is not even an option. Dr. Steele is very educated and has experience in the past with stray cats, she has some ideas that should be considered. They are cost efficient and provide easy ways to follow up on offenders.When I called Becky, the first thing she recommended was to contact Sonya, I updated her on all of the avenues I had already done as stated above as I had already called Sonya. At that point there was nothing that she could do for me. She did say to write her a letter. There has been an obviously high population of stray cats in Heritage Hills for several years and it would seem that it is continuing to grow. Everyone knows as you can see the cats running at large when you walk down any street. I don't have many answers or suggestions at this point, which is why I will write to you again soon but want to bring to your attention that there is a problem and something needs to be done. I would not like to see any harm done to the cats; if they can be tamed and adopted that would be great, seeing a greater level of responsibility on the part of the owners in having their animals spayed or neutered. There isn't enough help presently to deal with the number of stray cats. I called the SPCA and some other places again today just before I emailed this to you and currently no one has any space to take any cats or kittens. At the very least, I feel, funding and support should be given to our vet Dr. Steele, as she is a registered Vet and has the skills to make sure that money is spent the best and most efficient way it can be. She is in contact with all of the general public in Eastern Passage and the connections with the "cat shelters". She has years of experience. More support has to be given to shelters - who from my experience are truly caring people who seem to put huge effort into humanely taking care of the cat population, using their personal time and money in response to other peoples carelessness. Owners need to be held more accountable for their animals. I think people should have a choice if they have there cats loose but they should be spayed or neutered. People need to be educated about this. So many people that I have been talking to had no idea how little help there is out there when you find yourself in a predicament like I did this summer. Some are not surprised but something that I found very disheartening is that Becky never called to follow up to see how I made out. I have lived on Serop for nine years, we've had stabbings, murders, the increased number of RCMP calls to my street, 6 or 7 a weekend (and now more even during the week), the vandalism of my personal property with windows being smashed in my car, a boy being beat up and robbed right in front of the house next to me yesterday in the middle of the afternoon, I'm not asking for your help with those things. My request should be easier to address. Please help our Vet Dr. Steele and cat shelters with the stray cats, give them the support they need. Thank you for your consideration, Edna
"Kevin Deveaux" 09/19/2006 10:07 AM
To Edna
Subject Re: Stray cat population
Thanks for the e-mail. I appreciate your concern with regard to the need to have a better system for dealing with stray cats. As a "cat person" I have always been concerned with the need for a cat bylaw, but your description of how difficult it is to deal with stray cats may change my mind. As for a short-term solution, I would suggest asking some of the service clubs in the community (Lions, Buffaslo, Legion, KoC) if they would help fund a program through Dr. Steele so she has the funds to address this problem. In the longer term, as noted above, a bylaw may allow animal control to deal with such animals. Also, there may be a role for the Province in passing a law dealing with irresponsible owners and the need to spayed or neuter. I would be glad to discuss this in more detail with you, but I wanted to send you some early thoughts to see which direction you would like to proceed. Kevin Deveaux, MLA Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage
----- Original Message ----- From: edna. To: info@kevindeveaux.com ; kentb@halifax.ca Sent: Monday, September 18, 2006 3:38 PM
Subject: Stray cat population Hi, My name is Edna, I live on 15 Serop Cres., Heritage Hills. I have talked to Becky earlier this summer about the over population of stray cats. I wanted to drop you a quick line now, before I formally write to you and others. Late in July, I discovered that a stray cat had made a home under my deck and had a litter of kittens. The first week of August, I found another stray cat on my property and she too had a litter of kittens. I was basically stuck with these 2 mother cats and 9 kittens. I started making phone calls to various agencies to see what could be done, this is what I found:
The SPCA was full - and if they aren't you need to "trap" and bring in the cats yourselves - there is no assistance for this. (rent trap from MacFarlands and try and trap the cats). Liz from the SPCA actually recognized my voice I called day after day.
BideAwhile will not take feral cats,
Animal Control will not come and take cats as they do not fall under the ByLaw,
Of the approx. 30 vets I called only about 4 have cat shelters and they were full,
I called the SPCA in Truro also, although they were full they don't service our area,
Then I began calling the few cat shelters that I could find, Sonya - Healing Animal Scars was full at the time but very supportive and provided alot of information to educate and help me. She is a very energetic, caring, wonderful person who has helped so many people in the past, as I have found out from talking to people in the community. She couldn't take the kittens and cats in from my yard at the time, but offered help in calling people, to assist in trapping etc. Sonya is the only person that I found that is willing to deal with feral cats, to put the time into them that they need so they can be adopted.
I called Dr. Steele (Eastern Passage Vet) who has been so supportive through this whole process, before I called Becky to see what the cost would be if worse case I had to have the Stray cats and kitten euthanized. Most vets have a "no kill" policy so this is not even an option. Dr. Steele is very educated and has experience in the past with stray cats, she has some ideas that should be considered. They are cost efficient and provide easy ways to follow up on offenders.When I called Becky, the first thing she recommended was to contact Sonya, I updated her on all of the avenues I had already done as stated above as I had already called Sonya. At that point there was nothing that she could do for me. She did say to write her a letter. There has been an obviously high population of stray cats in Heritage Hills for several years and it would seem that it is continuing to grow. Everyone knows as you can see the cats running at large when you walk down any street. I don't have many answers or suggestions at this point, which is why I will write to you again soon but want to bring to your attention that there is a problem and something needs to be done. I would not like to see any harm done to the cats; if they can be tamed and adopted that would be great, seeing a greater level of responsibility on the part of the owners in having their animals spayed or neutered. There isn't enough help presently to deal with the number of stray cats. I called the SPCA and some other places again today just before I emailed this to you and currently no one has any space to take any cats or kittens. At the very least, I feel, funding and support should be given to our vet Dr. Steele, as she is a registered Vet and has the skills to make sure that money is spent the best and most efficient way it can be. She is in contact with all of the general public in Eastern Passage and the connections with the "cat shelters". She has years of experience. More support has to be given to shelters - who from my experience are truly caring people who seem to put huge effort into humanely taking care of the cat population, using their personal time and money in response to other peoples carelessness. Owners need to be held more accountable for their animals. I think people should have a choice if they have there cats loose but they should be spayed or neutered. People need to be educated about this. So many people that I have been talking to had no idea how little help there is out there when you find yourself in a predicament like I did this summer. Some are not surprised but something that I found very disheartening is that Becky never called to follow up to see how I made out. I have lived on Serop for nine years, we've had stabbings, murders, the increased number of RCMP calls to my street, 6 or 7 a weekend (and now more even during the week), the vandalism of my personal property with windows being smashed in my car, a boy being beat up and robbed right in front of the house next to me yesterday in the middle of the afternoon, I'm not asking for your help with those things. My request should be easier to address. Please help our Vet Dr. Steele and cat shelters with the stray cats, give them the support they need. Thank you for your consideration, Edna
MLA response to request for help
An email from Kevin Deveaux on Sept 25/06:
Thank you for your e-mail. To be clear, I have always tried to direct people to HRM, as the rules with regard to operating a business are HRM rules.
That said, as noted in my earlier e-mail to your supporter, I am glad to provide some advice on how to formalize the shelter in a way that ensures it can operate legally.
if you believe it can operate legally at your house (and HRM agrees) then that is good. if you wish to discuss how to raise funds or gain support for a shelter located in another location, I would be glad to provide advice.
I apologize if there is some confusion as to my position. Let me clear, I support compliance with HRM Land Use Bylaws and I support the need for a cat shelter in the community. If that cannot be done at your house, then the community needs to find a place that is suitable.
Kevin Deveaux, MLACole Harbour-Eastern Passage
From: Sonya HigginsTo: deveaux.mla@ns.sympatico.ca, 'Becky Kent' <kentb@halifax.ca
Subject: please help Healing Animal SCARS - Sonya's Cat & Animal Rescue Society
Hello Kevin,> First of all let me thank you for your donation to my auction held back in July, to fundraise for Healing Animal SCARS, a new cat rescue group that has been formed in Eastern Passage. I have assembled a Board of Directors and we are in the process of completing the paperwork to get registered with Joint Stocks. We did send in the application earlier this summer, but it was returned asking for clarification, which we gladly provided. We have also obtained a letter of support from the NS SPCA. There has been an enormously positive response from the community, and I feel I am providing a much needed service. However, my neighbours have suddenly turned on me! She complained to the city that I was running an illegal business, which is not the case. I have spent well over $6000 at the vet alone, and my various fundraisers and adoption fees have only earned about $4000, so it is obvious I am doing this for charity, not to get rich. I have always covered the costs for the many stray cats I take in, out of my own pocket. I have met with my city councillor, Becky Kent, and the Office and Recognized agent for the N-P society will be at one of the other directors homes, so that my neighbour cannot complain that I am running a business here. The angry neighbour has even accused me of misappropriating funds raised by the neighbourhood children, and has been slandering my good name in the community. Her daughter was corresponding with another of my volunteers, via MSN messenger on Friday, and wrote something to the effect that Kevin Deveaux had already told her Mom that Sonya is not allowed to have cats in her shed anymore. If this family or any other complainant does continue to ask questions of you regarding my cat rescue, I would appreciate if you would refer to Becky Kent and the 2 Land Use officers listed below, to clarify the solution that has been suggested. I would appreciate any advice you have to offer, and am requesting that you telephone me at home to further discuss my options. Thank you very much from myself and the cats who have been given a new lease on life, Sonya D. Higgins, Director & Chairman> Healing Animal SCARS -
-----Original Message-----> From: Sonya Higgins [mailto:katsonya@accesswave.ca]> Sent: September 23, 2006 5:16 PM> To: 'stoffp1@parl.gc.ca'> Cc: 'Becky Kent'> Subject: Healing Animal SCARS - Sonya's Cat & Animal Rescue Society> > > Hello Peter,> > I have received 2 phone messages from you this summer, commending me on my work in animal rescue. I would love to speak with you on the phone, because I am seeking your support in writing this time. I have been getting harassed and threatened by a nasty neighbour, who has called the city and tried to get me "shut down". It is very unfortunate that one bad apple can make a lot of grief for the many other caring citizens who have helped me with the fundraising over the past 4 months. I met with my city councillor, Becky Kent, and 2 Land Use officers, Shawn Audas and Marc Ouellete, at my home on Thursday, Sept. 21st to discuss how I can legally keep operating without breaking any by-laws. We are in the process of registering with Joint Stocks, and would like to have letters of support from politicians to show that there is a need for more animal rescues, to deal with the enormous problem of stray cat colonies in HRM. Please phone me at your earliest convenience,> > Thank you so much,> > Sonya D. Higgins
Thank you for your e-mail. To be clear, I have always tried to direct people to HRM, as the rules with regard to operating a business are HRM rules.
That said, as noted in my earlier e-mail to your supporter, I am glad to provide some advice on how to formalize the shelter in a way that ensures it can operate legally.
if you believe it can operate legally at your house (and HRM agrees) then that is good. if you wish to discuss how to raise funds or gain support for a shelter located in another location, I would be glad to provide advice.
I apologize if there is some confusion as to my position. Let me clear, I support compliance with HRM Land Use Bylaws and I support the need for a cat shelter in the community. If that cannot be done at your house, then the community needs to find a place that is suitable.
Kevin Deveaux, MLACole Harbour-Eastern Passage
From: Sonya Higgins
Subject: please help Healing Animal SCARS - Sonya's Cat & Animal Rescue Society
Hello Kevin,> First of all let me thank you for your donation to my auction held back in July, to fundraise for Healing Animal SCARS, a new cat rescue group that has been formed in Eastern Passage. I have assembled a Board of Directors and we are in the process of completing the paperwork to get registered with Joint Stocks. We did send in the application earlier this summer, but it was returned asking for clarification, which we gladly provided. We have also obtained a letter of support from the NS SPCA. There has been an enormously positive response from the community, and I feel I am providing a much needed service. However, my neighbours have suddenly turned on me! She complained to the city that I was running an illegal business, which is not the case. I have spent well over $6000 at the vet alone, and my various fundraisers and adoption fees have only earned about $4000, so it is obvious I am doing this for charity, not to get rich. I have always covered the costs for the many stray cats I take in, out of my own pocket. I have met with my city councillor, Becky Kent, and the Office and Recognized agent for the N-P society will be at one of the other directors homes, so that my neighbour cannot complain that I am running a business here. The angry neighbour has even accused me of misappropriating funds raised by the neighbourhood children, and has been slandering my good name in the community. Her daughter was corresponding with another of my volunteers, via MSN messenger on Friday, and wrote something to the effect that Kevin Deveaux had already told her Mom that Sonya is not allowed to have cats in her shed anymore. If this family or any other complainant does continue to ask questions of you regarding my cat rescue, I would appreciate if you would refer to Becky Kent and the 2 Land Use officers listed below, to clarify the solution that has been suggested. I would appreciate any advice you have to offer, and am requesting that you telephone me at home to further discuss my options. Thank you very much from myself and the cats who have been given a new lease on life, Sonya D. Higgins, Director & Chairman> Healing Animal SCARS -
-----Original Message-----> From: Sonya Higgins [mailto:katsonya@accesswave.ca]> Sent: September 23, 2006 5:16 PM> To: 'stoffp1@parl.gc.ca'> Cc: 'Becky Kent'> Subject: Healing Animal SCARS - Sonya's Cat & Animal Rescue Society> > > Hello Peter,> > I have received 2 phone messages from you this summer, commending me on my work in animal rescue. I would love to speak with you on the phone, because I am seeking your support in writing this time. I have been getting harassed and threatened by a nasty neighbour, who has called the city and tried to get me "shut down". It is very unfortunate that one bad apple can make a lot of grief for the many other caring citizens who have helped me with the fundraising over the past 4 months. I met with my city councillor, Becky Kent, and 2 Land Use officers, Shawn Audas and Marc Ouellete, at my home on Thursday, Sept. 21st to discuss how I can legally keep operating without breaking any by-laws. We are in the process of registering with Joint Stocks, and would like to have letters of support from politicians to show that there is a need for more animal rescues, to deal with the enormous problem of stray cat colonies in HRM. Please phone me at your earliest convenience,> > Thank you so much,> > Sonya D. Higgins
Email of support from an adopter
----- Original Message ----- From: <deveaux.mla@ns.sympatico.ca> To: "Rita " Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM Subject: Re: SCARS
> Thanks for the e-mail. I am glad to hear testimonials about SCARS. > > Kevin Deveaux, MLA
> From: "Rita Date: 2006/09/25 Mon PM 12:13:37 EST >> To: <kentb@halifax.ca>, >> <deveaux.mla@ns.sympatico.ca>, >> <stoffp1@parl.gc.ca> >> Subject: SCARS >> >> Hello , I thought I would drop a line in the defense if Sonya Higgins and the wonderful work she is doing to save so many innocent cats lives and to make many people very happy ourselves included. I adopted a cat from Sonya last Feb. Hendrix is our cat's name and he is an absolute gem, I cannot began to tell you how much happiness and love this little guy has brought to our lives. I brought Hendrix home on Feb. 17 / 06 and being a feral cat as he and his two siblings were living at the Tim's drive through and after three consecutive nights Sonya was able to rescue all three. This is where I come into the picture four months later. I brought Hendrix home, he was of course very nervous and hid out . I spoke with Sonya daily and on the 10th. day Sonya came to our house and crawled in a very small space and was able to get him out, we then closed the space and he started to trust us a little more each day and now we have the most wonderful cat in the entire world "sorry all other cat owners"
I do hope Sonya can carry on with her work as she is making a huge difference and I do hope her neighbour can find it in her heart to be a little patient and understanding and everyone will be happy in the end as we are with our beautiful cat. Rita, John Garett and Hendrix
> Thanks for the e-mail. I am glad to hear testimonials about SCARS. > > Kevin Deveaux, MLA
> From: "Rita Date: 2006/09/25 Mon PM 12:13:37 EST >> To: <kentb@halifax.ca>, >> <deveaux.mla@ns.sympatico.ca>, >> <stoffp1@parl.gc.ca> >> Subject: SCARS >> >> Hello , I thought I would drop a line in the defense if Sonya Higgins and the wonderful work she is doing to save so many innocent cats lives and to make many people very happy ourselves included. I adopted a cat from Sonya last Feb. Hendrix is our cat's name and he is an absolute gem, I cannot began to tell you how much happiness and love this little guy has brought to our lives. I brought Hendrix home on Feb. 17 / 06 and being a feral cat as he and his two siblings were living at the Tim's drive through and after three consecutive nights Sonya was able to rescue all three. This is where I come into the picture four months later. I brought Hendrix home, he was of course very nervous and hid out . I spoke with Sonya daily and on the 10th. day Sonya came to our house and crawled in a very small space and was able to get him out, we then closed the space and he started to trust us a little more each day and now we have the most wonderful cat in the entire world "sorry all other cat owners"
I do hope Sonya can carry on with her work as she is making a huge difference and I do hope her neighbour can find it in her heart to be a little patient and understanding and everyone will be happy in the end as we are with our beautiful cat. Rita, John Garett and Hendrix
Cat rescue against residential by-laws
Hi Sonya,
I don't have much time to write but I wanted to respond to your email. I am sickened by the whole thing and I cannot BELIEVE that it has turned out like this. I am very sorry, Sonya. I am in shock. How could someone be annoyed with construction when it is just a shed?! I will draft a letter of some kind in support of this.
Honestly!! Good luck. Kathleen
On Sun, 01 Oct 2006 22:16:59 -0300, "Sonya Higgins" <katsonya@accesswave.ca> said:> Hi there, I ran into a huge problem - the neighbours complained to the city. They apparently didn't appreciate the construction on my shed, ( 4 different days over a few weeks) and complained to the city that I was running an illegal business. Long story short, I met with my councillor and 2 Land-use by-law officers and I am not allowed to have a non-profit that involves the keeping of animals here at this zoning address, because the city views it as a business. I am seeking legal advice, and will always keep cats here and rescue them. I cannot believe the burocracy that sees a non-profit society as a home business! Nonsense! I strongly urge you to write to city council to express your views on their lack of action on behalf of homeless cats ( there is currently NO by-law in place to deal with cats, the city just doesn't do anything unless they are already dead or near dying...) Tell them they need to consult with local animal rescuers to get feedback/input on their new by-law for animal control. Tell them about all the pets who were saved because of a good-hearted rescuer who is now in peril of being charged as a criminal for trying to help cats... Please speak out on this ridiculous interpretation of the law, I need to keep helping cats only because the city is not doing their part. HRM has no affiliation with the local branch of the SPCA. When the SPCA and Bide-Awhile are full ( every day) there is absolutely no other option for ordinary citizens who find a stray cat. So when a person like me tries to start a new animal rescue league of foster homes, I am accused of nonsense by one bitter individual and forced to stop the good work I am doing... How does that show support for the animals?
Sonya D. Higgins, Director & Chairman> Healing Animal SCARS - Sonya's Cat & Animal Rescue Society> Phone: 469-MEOW (469-6369)> Eastern Passage, NS> katsonya@accesswave.ca > http://scars-sonyascatandanimalrescuesociety.blogspot.com/> www.petfinder.org/shelters/NS28.html
I don't have much time to write but I wanted to respond to your email. I am sickened by the whole thing and I cannot BELIEVE that it has turned out like this. I am very sorry, Sonya. I am in shock. How could someone be annoyed with construction when it is just a shed?! I will draft a letter of some kind in support of this.
Honestly!! Good luck. Kathleen
On Sun, 01 Oct 2006 22:16:59 -0300, "Sonya Higgins" <katsonya@accesswave.ca> said:> Hi there, I ran into a huge problem - the neighbours complained to the city. They apparently didn't appreciate the construction on my shed, ( 4 different days over a few weeks) and complained to the city that I was running an illegal business. Long story short, I met with my councillor and 2 Land-use by-law officers and I am not allowed to have a non-profit that involves the keeping of animals here at this zoning address, because the city views it as a business. I am seeking legal advice, and will always keep cats here and rescue them. I cannot believe the burocracy that sees a non-profit society as a home business! Nonsense! I strongly urge you to write to city council to express your views on their lack of action on behalf of homeless cats ( there is currently NO by-law in place to deal with cats, the city just doesn't do anything unless they are already dead or near dying...) Tell them they need to consult with local animal rescuers to get feedback/input on their new by-law for animal control. Tell them about all the pets who were saved because of a good-hearted rescuer who is now in peril of being charged as a criminal for trying to help cats... Please speak out on this ridiculous interpretation of the law, I need to keep helping cats only because the city is not doing their part. HRM has no affiliation with the local branch of the SPCA. When the SPCA and Bide-Awhile are full ( every day) there is absolutely no other option for ordinary citizens who find a stray cat. So when a person like me tries to start a new animal rescue league of foster homes, I am accused of nonsense by one bitter individual and forced to stop the good work I am doing... How does that show support for the animals?
Sonya D. Higgins, Director & Chairman> Healing Animal SCARS - Sonya's Cat & Animal Rescue Society> Phone: 469-MEOW (469-6369)> Eastern Passage, NS> katsonya@accesswave.ca > http://scars-sonyascatandanimalrescuesociety.blogspot.com/> www.petfinder.org/shelters/NS28.html
cat by-law
There is a new by-law that will be proposed to HRM City Council in Feb. 2007. Below is an excerpt from the minutes of the HALIFAX REGIONAL COUNCILCOMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTESOctober 25, 2005
4. PROPOSED HARMONIZED BY-LAW A-300 - RESPECTING ANIMALS
• A report dated June 29, 2005 was before Council.
• Four suggested amendments submitted by Councillor Younger were before Council.
• An e-mail dated October 25, 2005 from Councillor Sloane was before Council.
Mr. Brad Anguish, Director, Environmental Management Services, presented the report assisted by Mr. Allan Waye, General Manager, Community Projects, EMS, Ms. AndreaMacDonald, Manager, Animal Control/Taxi & Limo Services, and Ms. Stefanie Turner,Operations Coordinator, Animal Control Services.
MOVED BY Councillor Hendsbee, seconded by Councillor Harvey that Council give first reading to By-Law A-300, Respecting Animals (attached as Appendix “A”), and set a public hearing date to adopt the By-Law and repeal the existing animal related By-Laws to come into effect June 1, 2006. Mayor Kelly left the meeting at 2:19 pm. Deputy Mayor Goucher assumed the Chair at this time. Mr. Waye and Ms. MacDonald advised that staff were not looking for a recommendation today as there are minor refinements to be made to the draft By-Law.
Deputy Mayor Goucher suggested the motion be to approve in principle in order to move the item forward for a notice of motion at this evening’s Council session. Councillor Younger suggested an increase to the fees to make the program more cost recovery.
MOVED BY Councillor Younger, seconded by Councillor Uteck that the four following amendments be included in the by-law:
1. Replace Section 14 with the following: NOISE 14 (1) No owner of an animal shall knowingly or not knowingly allow any animal to make noise excessively. (2) For the purposes of this section, a dog shall be deemed to be making noise excessively if it barks or howls repeatedly for a period of twenty (20) minutes.
2. Add the following to Section 17:(9) The municipality may, by Administrative Order, establish a committee to monitor shelter operations and establish guidelines on humane treatment and euthanasia.
3. Add and/or modify Section 18 as follows:Amend (1) by adding:“business” between “three (3)” and “days”Amend (a) to read:(a) be sold, adopted; or
Add a new section (3) as follows:(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this by-law, no animal kept by the shelter keeper may be sold, adopted, or otherwise disposed of for laboratoryor any other experimental purpose.
4. In Section 20 replace the minimum fine of $100 with a minimum fine of $200.
As the four amendments were distributed just prior to today’s Council session without anopportunity for staff/Councillors to review the information, Ms. Donovan suggested that staff provide a supplementary report that would speak to Councillor Younger’s four proposed amendments before the draft by-law goes forward for first reading. The supplementary report could provide some refinement in the language to achieve the objective of the amendments without causing prosecution problems. Ms. Donovan clarified for Councillor Younger that no notice of motion has been given therefore,Council may approve in principle what has been presented then give notice of motion this evening. The supplementary report would be available at the first reading stage. Councillor Younger stressed that the information contained in the supplementary report be included in the by-law in advance of the public hearing.
Various members of Council expressed concern with the inability of HRM to enforce some of the regulations in the proposed by-Law such as: not feeding waterfowl on HRM property, requirement for certificates of spaying/neutering of cats, licensing of cats. Concern was also expressed that some aspects of the by-law would set false expectations and that the limitationof three dogs/three cats would be taking rights away from responsible pet owners.
Councillor Snow commented that By-Law Enforcement (animal control) is the most underfunded department in HRM and there is no point in having a by-law if we do not have the resources.
Councillor Kent suggested the wording be reviewed as some of the definitions are confusing.
Councillors Wile, Adams and Harvey suggested that there be some provision in the by-lawregarding citizens who deliberately feed pigeons (waterfowl) on private property.Ms. Donovan suggested the concern of feeding pigeons on private property be included in the supplementary report.
Deputy Mayor Goucher recommended that Councillor Younger’s amendments and additional comments of Council heard today be considered by staff. He clarified that the current motion is to include the licensing and limitation of cats in the by-law. Mr. Anstey responded to Councillor Smith that the February 8, 2005 minutes show that Council approved in principle the section respecting cats. Additional issues such as limitation and licensing are now to be considered. Mr. Anguish explained that the licensing of cats will be part of the budget preparation as money will have to be invested to commence the program. He advised staff will return with more information on that matter at a later date.
Councillor Murphy expressed concern that the public have not been educated on spaying/neutering/licensing of their pets nor have they been given information on how to be a responsible pet owner. Mr. Anguish responded that funds are being reclaimed in regards tothe current contract as the education aspect was not fulfilled. Mr. Anguish responded to Councillor Kent that the HRM website will be updated with information for the public once staff receive clear direction from Council on what it is Council would like to have included in the proposed by-law.
Councillor Hendsbee suggested that a fee and fine table be included with the by-law to provide clear reference to the registration fees as well as the fines for non-compliance. He further suggested that there be mandatory registration for all cats and dogs and that the penalization structure have incremental fines for repeat offenders. He encouraged the promotion of responsible pet ownership through the offering of a rebate on fees if the pet is spayed/neutered. He also suggested that addresses convicted of cruelty to animals be banned from the ownership of pets. Council agreed that this item be deferred and that staff provide a supplementary report at that time. Council was encouraged to forward additional comments to staff for review.
Please contact your city councillor to give your feedback. The new law limits a household to owning no more than 3 cats, and will no longer allow cats to roam at large. Residents will be able to rent a trap from Animal Control to catch the offending cat ( whether it is a suspected stray or a known neighbour's pesky cat) and give it to Animal Control to dispose of. The city currently does not have a contract with the SPCA so they have no place to bring the cats they would be catching... Why pass a By-law if the city cannot even afford the budget to enforce it?
Here are some suggestions I will be making to the people working on the propsed by-law:
I feel strongly that all pets going outside should wear ID tags and be licensed.
The new law should involve mandatory spaying and neutering of household pets, so unless you are a licensed breeder your pets cannot add to the growing population problem. If people would spay their cats, there would be less of them roaming on the streets, females in heat often escape and never return home, having their kittens in the wild. Male cats must be neutered, females don't get themselves pregnant. I am tired of hearing irresponsible owners of male cats say "well, I don't have any kittens" - think about how many babies your big boy has sired without your knowledge.
4. PROPOSED HARMONIZED BY-LAW A-300 - RESPECTING ANIMALS
• A report dated June 29, 2005 was before Council.
• Four suggested amendments submitted by Councillor Younger were before Council.
• An e-mail dated October 25, 2005 from Councillor Sloane was before Council.
Mr. Brad Anguish, Director, Environmental Management Services, presented the report assisted by Mr. Allan Waye, General Manager, Community Projects, EMS, Ms. AndreaMacDonald, Manager, Animal Control/Taxi & Limo Services, and Ms. Stefanie Turner,Operations Coordinator, Animal Control Services.
MOVED BY Councillor Hendsbee, seconded by Councillor Harvey that Council give first reading to By-Law A-300, Respecting Animals (attached as Appendix “A”), and set a public hearing date to adopt the By-Law and repeal the existing animal related By-Laws to come into effect June 1, 2006. Mayor Kelly left the meeting at 2:19 pm. Deputy Mayor Goucher assumed the Chair at this time. Mr. Waye and Ms. MacDonald advised that staff were not looking for a recommendation today as there are minor refinements to be made to the draft By-Law.
Deputy Mayor Goucher suggested the motion be to approve in principle in order to move the item forward for a notice of motion at this evening’s Council session. Councillor Younger suggested an increase to the fees to make the program more cost recovery.
MOVED BY Councillor Younger, seconded by Councillor Uteck that the four following amendments be included in the by-law:
1. Replace Section 14 with the following: NOISE 14 (1) No owner of an animal shall knowingly or not knowingly allow any animal to make noise excessively. (2) For the purposes of this section, a dog shall be deemed to be making noise excessively if it barks or howls repeatedly for a period of twenty (20) minutes.
2. Add the following to Section 17:(9) The municipality may, by Administrative Order, establish a committee to monitor shelter operations and establish guidelines on humane treatment and euthanasia.
3. Add and/or modify Section 18 as follows:Amend (1) by adding:“business” between “three (3)” and “days”Amend (a) to read:(a) be sold, adopted; or
Add a new section (3) as follows:(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this by-law, no animal kept by the shelter keeper may be sold, adopted, or otherwise disposed of for laboratoryor any other experimental purpose.
4. In Section 20 replace the minimum fine of $100 with a minimum fine of $200.
As the four amendments were distributed just prior to today’s Council session without anopportunity for staff/Councillors to review the information, Ms. Donovan suggested that staff provide a supplementary report that would speak to Councillor Younger’s four proposed amendments before the draft by-law goes forward for first reading. The supplementary report could provide some refinement in the language to achieve the objective of the amendments without causing prosecution problems. Ms. Donovan clarified for Councillor Younger that no notice of motion has been given therefore,Council may approve in principle what has been presented then give notice of motion this evening. The supplementary report would be available at the first reading stage. Councillor Younger stressed that the information contained in the supplementary report be included in the by-law in advance of the public hearing.
Various members of Council expressed concern with the inability of HRM to enforce some of the regulations in the proposed by-Law such as: not feeding waterfowl on HRM property, requirement for certificates of spaying/neutering of cats, licensing of cats. Concern was also expressed that some aspects of the by-law would set false expectations and that the limitationof three dogs/three cats would be taking rights away from responsible pet owners.
Councillor Snow commented that By-Law Enforcement (animal control) is the most underfunded department in HRM and there is no point in having a by-law if we do not have the resources.
Councillor Kent suggested the wording be reviewed as some of the definitions are confusing.
Councillors Wile, Adams and Harvey suggested that there be some provision in the by-lawregarding citizens who deliberately feed pigeons (waterfowl) on private property.Ms. Donovan suggested the concern of feeding pigeons on private property be included in the supplementary report.
Deputy Mayor Goucher recommended that Councillor Younger’s amendments and additional comments of Council heard today be considered by staff. He clarified that the current motion is to include the licensing and limitation of cats in the by-law. Mr. Anstey responded to Councillor Smith that the February 8, 2005 minutes show that Council approved in principle the section respecting cats. Additional issues such as limitation and licensing are now to be considered. Mr. Anguish explained that the licensing of cats will be part of the budget preparation as money will have to be invested to commence the program. He advised staff will return with more information on that matter at a later date.
Councillor Murphy expressed concern that the public have not been educated on spaying/neutering/licensing of their pets nor have they been given information on how to be a responsible pet owner. Mr. Anguish responded that funds are being reclaimed in regards tothe current contract as the education aspect was not fulfilled. Mr. Anguish responded to Councillor Kent that the HRM website will be updated with information for the public once staff receive clear direction from Council on what it is Council would like to have included in the proposed by-law.
Councillor Hendsbee suggested that a fee and fine table be included with the by-law to provide clear reference to the registration fees as well as the fines for non-compliance. He further suggested that there be mandatory registration for all cats and dogs and that the penalization structure have incremental fines for repeat offenders. He encouraged the promotion of responsible pet ownership through the offering of a rebate on fees if the pet is spayed/neutered. He also suggested that addresses convicted of cruelty to animals be banned from the ownership of pets. Council agreed that this item be deferred and that staff provide a supplementary report at that time. Council was encouraged to forward additional comments to staff for review.
Please contact your city councillor to give your feedback. The new law limits a household to owning no more than 3 cats, and will no longer allow cats to roam at large. Residents will be able to rent a trap from Animal Control to catch the offending cat ( whether it is a suspected stray or a known neighbour's pesky cat) and give it to Animal Control to dispose of. The city currently does not have a contract with the SPCA so they have no place to bring the cats they would be catching... Why pass a By-law if the city cannot even afford the budget to enforce it?
Here are some suggestions I will be making to the people working on the propsed by-law:
I feel strongly that all pets going outside should wear ID tags and be licensed.
The new law should involve mandatory spaying and neutering of household pets, so unless you are a licensed breeder your pets cannot add to the growing population problem. If people would spay their cats, there would be less of them roaming on the streets, females in heat often escape and never return home, having their kittens in the wild. Male cats must be neutered, females don't get themselves pregnant. I am tired of hearing irresponsible owners of male cats say "well, I don't have any kittens" - think about how many babies your big boy has sired without your knowledge.
Monday, September 04, 2006
No dumping Allowed
I might have known that publishing my address could lead to trouble...
Some crazy person purporting to be named Michelle Hurst dumped her cat on my lawn when I was at work on Thursday, August 31st. My neighbour caught her and got her cell phone #, soI tracked her down and called the RCMP to press charges of abandoning an animal. I want to emphasize to the public that my rescue group does not have a shelter, as such, it is just a network of foster homes that care for stray cats. I feel that "Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine" so if you want to get rid of your pet, don't dump it here! I am not like the SPCA, who have a shelter location, paid staff and many volunteers. I am a single person who has to work full time for a living, and I only do cat rescue on the side.
If someone dumps their pet on my doorstep, there may not be space and I do not have the money fundraised to care for additional animals. The cat abandoned her this week had horrible case of fleas, so I had to spend about 14 hours disinfecting all the rooms he had been in, and I had to reapply Advantage to all the cats in the shelter and my home.... Costly venture! A new cat requires a great deal of time and care and inspection,so having one show up unexpectedly in my garden meant I had to cancel my other plans that evening, and it also took the last cage I had available, which was reserved for a mother cat and 4 kittens... so they had to stay out in the wild, since this abandoned pet was taking up space...
When I phoned the abandoner, she refused to take my calls or answer questions about the cats name, age or medical history. I finally tracked down this woman's ex-boyfriend, who came to claim the cat a few days later. Here is the message I want to get out there: DONT MESS WITH ME AND MY CATS - This house is under surveillance and charges will be laid if I catch someone else abandoning their pet. Please do not take advantage of my kindness and soft spot for cats - I am doing the best I can and if people keep dumping on me, I may not be able to continue my rescue, which would be unfortunate for all...
Thank you for understanding, I can only rescue so many cats, I cannot do it all. My mission is to rescue cats that already live on the streets, not to save them from dumb owners...
Some crazy person purporting to be named Michelle Hurst dumped her cat on my lawn when I was at work on Thursday, August 31st. My neighbour caught her and got her cell phone #, soI tracked her down and called the RCMP to press charges of abandoning an animal. I want to emphasize to the public that my rescue group does not have a shelter, as such, it is just a network of foster homes that care for stray cats. I feel that "Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine" so if you want to get rid of your pet, don't dump it here! I am not like the SPCA, who have a shelter location, paid staff and many volunteers. I am a single person who has to work full time for a living, and I only do cat rescue on the side.
If someone dumps their pet on my doorstep, there may not be space and I do not have the money fundraised to care for additional animals. The cat abandoned her this week had horrible case of fleas, so I had to spend about 14 hours disinfecting all the rooms he had been in, and I had to reapply Advantage to all the cats in the shelter and my home.... Costly venture! A new cat requires a great deal of time and care and inspection,so having one show up unexpectedly in my garden meant I had to cancel my other plans that evening, and it also took the last cage I had available, which was reserved for a mother cat and 4 kittens... so they had to stay out in the wild, since this abandoned pet was taking up space...
When I phoned the abandoner, she refused to take my calls or answer questions about the cats name, age or medical history. I finally tracked down this woman's ex-boyfriend, who came to claim the cat a few days later. Here is the message I want to get out there: DONT MESS WITH ME AND MY CATS - This house is under surveillance and charges will be laid if I catch someone else abandoning their pet. Please do not take advantage of my kindness and soft spot for cats - I am doing the best I can and if people keep dumping on me, I may not be able to continue my rescue, which would be unfortunate for all...
Thank you for understanding, I can only rescue so many cats, I cannot do it all. My mission is to rescue cats that already live on the streets, not to save them from dumb owners...
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Critter Walk August 11, 2006
Eastern Passage Summer Carnival - Critter Walk sponsored by the Village Vet Clinic. To take place on Friday, August 11th at 4:30pm - Pledge sheets available at the Vet Clinic or by calling Sonya at 469-MEOW
Join the Staff of the Eastern Passage Village Veterinary Hospital on Aug. 11, 2006 at 4:30pm at the Boardwalk in Eastern Passage
In support of “Healing Animal S.C.A.R.S. – Sonya’s Cat & Animal Rescue Society” 469-MEOW
We save stray or feral cats and kittens from a life of misery on the streets, provide vet care and find them loving adoptive homes.
Your donation will help pay for vaccines, spay/neuter operations, medications and food and litter. The medical expenses and care for each cat costs over $300
Join the Staff of the Eastern Passage Village Veterinary Hospital on Aug. 11, 2006 at 4:30pm at the Boardwalk in Eastern Passage
In support of “Healing Animal S.C.A.R.S. – Sonya’s Cat & Animal Rescue Society” 469-MEOW
We save stray or feral cats and kittens from a life of misery on the streets, provide vet care and find them loving adoptive homes.
Your donation will help pay for vaccines, spay/neuter operations, medications and food and litter. The medical expenses and care for each cat costs over $300
Monday, July 24, 2006
APPRECIATIONS and VOLUNTEERING
SCARS
recognizes that as a non-profit rescue it relies on the energies and efforts of other animal lovers.
Dear animal lovers,
Thank you to all who helped at the car wash held today, June 17th at the Irving Blue Canoe in Eastern Passage.
We raised a whopping $335.40 to put towards the rescue cost of the 13 cats and kittens currently in our care.
That will be enough to either :
spay 2 mother cats,
or to give 3 full sets of vaccines to two kittens,
or to do "the whole package" for one adult cat, which includes test for FLK/FIV, vaccinate and booster, deworm and deflea, spay or neuter.
We will be doing another Car Wash fundraiser on July 29th and one August 19. Volunteers are asked to contact Sonya Higgins at 469-6369 or katsonya@accesswave.ca to sign up for a shift.
We need people to: make signs for Car wash with Bristol board and markers
carry Bristol board signs on sidewalk to attract cars
to direct traffic and supervise
people to wash cars, of course, and
people to work at Cat Rescue table to discuss adoptions
Special thanks go to Denise, Terry, Jenna, Wanda and Emily for their help preparing for today's event.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SCARS JULY 22 2006 Auction Appreciations.....
I would like to thank the following for donating items and /or services to the animal shelter fundraiser auction held at The Sandtrap. (not in any particular order)
Global Pet Foods, TPI, Alteen's Jewelry, Sobeys, 99 Cent or Less (Penhorn Mall), KFC, McDonald's, A&W, Our Friend's Pub, Starr's Desert Cafe, Tapered Edge, Kim Clarke, Rita Schwartz, Christa Piercey, Lloyds Supermarket, Ultramar (EP), EP Massage (Megan Tofflemire-therapist), Becky Kent, Kevin Deveau, Peter Stoffer, Woodbury Animal Hospital, Atlantic Cat Hospital, Colby Village Vet Hospital, Dartmouth Vet Hospital, Companion Animal Hospital, Frank Hagen Trucking and TopSoil, Vetcetera, Kara's Urban Day Spa, Boston Pizza, Molly's Whiskers, Pizza Delight (Tacoma), Bowlarama (Woodside), Dairy Queen , Jungle Jims, Haven Therapeutics, Woodlawn Animal Clinic, Lori Ann Pye, Raven's Haven, Elaine's Poodle Parlour, Happy Hounds Gourmutt bakery, Fairview Animal Hospital, Ship Shape Cleaners, Pets Unlimited, Moirs Chocolate Factory and to the private donors as well THANK-YOU!!!
And to all our animals lovers who made the auction a sucess...thank you to you from me and the animals.!!!!
recognizes that as a non-profit rescue it relies on the energies and efforts of other animal lovers.
Dear animal lovers,
Thank you to all who helped at the car wash held today, June 17th at the Irving Blue Canoe in Eastern Passage.
We raised a whopping $335.40 to put towards the rescue cost of the 13 cats and kittens currently in our care.
That will be enough to either :
spay 2 mother cats,
or to give 3 full sets of vaccines to two kittens,
or to do "the whole package" for one adult cat, which includes test for FLK/FIV, vaccinate and booster, deworm and deflea, spay or neuter.
We will be doing another Car Wash fundraiser on July 29th and one August 19. Volunteers are asked to contact Sonya Higgins at 469-6369 or katsonya@accesswave.ca to sign up for a shift.
We need people to: make signs for Car wash with Bristol board and markers
carry Bristol board signs on sidewalk to attract cars
to direct traffic and supervise
people to wash cars, of course, and
people to work at Cat Rescue table to discuss adoptions
Special thanks go to Denise, Terry, Jenna, Wanda and Emily for their help preparing for today's event.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SCARS JULY 22 2006 Auction Appreciations.....
I would like to thank the following for donating items and /or services to the animal shelter fundraiser auction held at The Sandtrap. (not in any particular order)
Global Pet Foods, TPI, Alteen's Jewelry, Sobeys, 99 Cent or Less (Penhorn Mall), KFC, McDonald's, A&W, Our Friend's Pub, Starr's Desert Cafe, Tapered Edge, Kim Clarke, Rita Schwartz, Christa Piercey, Lloyds Supermarket, Ultramar (EP), EP Massage (Megan Tofflemire-therapist), Becky Kent, Kevin Deveau, Peter Stoffer, Woodbury Animal Hospital, Atlantic Cat Hospital, Colby Village Vet Hospital, Dartmouth Vet Hospital, Companion Animal Hospital, Frank Hagen Trucking and TopSoil, Vetcetera, Kara's Urban Day Spa, Boston Pizza, Molly's Whiskers, Pizza Delight (Tacoma), Bowlarama (Woodside), Dairy Queen , Jungle Jims, Haven Therapeutics, Woodlawn Animal Clinic, Lori Ann Pye, Raven's Haven, Elaine's Poodle Parlour, Happy Hounds Gourmutt bakery, Fairview Animal Hospital, Ship Shape Cleaners, Pets Unlimited, Moirs Chocolate Factory and to the private donors as well THANK-YOU!!!
And to all our animals lovers who made the auction a sucess...thank you to you from me and the animals.!!!!
Sunday, July 09, 2006
NEW FAMILY ADDITIONS
Pet to Fuzzy Family Members
Many of us share our lives and our homes with more than one pet. There are many factors that determine the kind of relationship your pets will develop. Some factors we have control over - others we don't. Hopefully you have kept personality combinations in mind when you chose your new pet. Then if you are lucky both pets have had positive experiences with other animals.
It is best to observe a few simple guidelines and exercise patience. Careful observation by experienced, comfortable pet handlers is extremely important. Watching each pet's body language and reacting appropriately can help to avoid conflicts BEFORE they occur. A good time for the first meeting is when both pets are relaxed. Try to keep the initial introduction short - allow time for investigation without aggression or anxiety. Handlers should stay relaxed and use a friendly voice. Positive reinforcement should be used to encourage desired behavior (verbal praise, petting). Tell both pets "it's okay". Do not use this term if either pet is misbehaving as this reinforces negative behavior.
If you have multiple pets at home - try introducing them to the new kid on the block one at a time. This will help avoid a "mob mentality". No matter what the number or combination of species, there are likely to be growls or hisses during the first meeting. It is a rare first meeting that results in immediate friendship. Generally, with time most pets either develop a close relationship or simply decide to tolerate one another. Unfortunately, some pets never accept one another. In these cases, alternative placement should be considered.
If you are introducing a cat and a dog, again the dog should be on a lead and under control. The cat should have an easy escape route. If you are introducing two cats both should have trimmed nails. They should either be on harnesses far apart in the same room or they can be started in different rooms to investigate one another through a door. Both pets should have their own secure space with all the necessities. The resident pet should have the more desirable space initially. By the same token, you should greet and feed your resident pet first then your newcomer. They can work out the social hierarchy later on if they so choose.
Set aside time everyday for individual attention. This will reassure your first pet and establish a bond with your new friend. Remember to progress slowly each pet meeting. At mealtime, feed pet at a distance at which they will eat comfortably - decrease this distance slowly each day. Be sure neither can get at the other's dishes!! Pets should be restrained during meetings until they are showing consistently good behavior. This may take several days to weeks and should be with supervision. Have a noisemaker or water bottle on hand. If a conflict arises use these to break it up - NOT your hands.
If you any concerns regarding the integration of your new pet into the family consult your veterinarian or animal behavior specialist.
They are a great source for information. As well medication is sometimes indicated to help pets over the initial hump. Remember to stay relaxed, cautious and patient and have fun with your fuzzy friends.
Articles by Dr. Emma RaghavanAppearing in the Halifax Daily News
Many of us share our lives and our homes with more than one pet. There are many factors that determine the kind of relationship your pets will develop. Some factors we have control over - others we don't. Hopefully you have kept personality combinations in mind when you chose your new pet. Then if you are lucky both pets have had positive experiences with other animals.
It is best to observe a few simple guidelines and exercise patience. Careful observation by experienced, comfortable pet handlers is extremely important. Watching each pet's body language and reacting appropriately can help to avoid conflicts BEFORE they occur. A good time for the first meeting is when both pets are relaxed. Try to keep the initial introduction short - allow time for investigation without aggression or anxiety. Handlers should stay relaxed and use a friendly voice. Positive reinforcement should be used to encourage desired behavior (verbal praise, petting). Tell both pets "it's okay". Do not use this term if either pet is misbehaving as this reinforces negative behavior.
If you have multiple pets at home - try introducing them to the new kid on the block one at a time. This will help avoid a "mob mentality". No matter what the number or combination of species, there are likely to be growls or hisses during the first meeting. It is a rare first meeting that results in immediate friendship. Generally, with time most pets either develop a close relationship or simply decide to tolerate one another. Unfortunately, some pets never accept one another. In these cases, alternative placement should be considered.
If you are introducing a cat and a dog, again the dog should be on a lead and under control. The cat should have an easy escape route. If you are introducing two cats both should have trimmed nails. They should either be on harnesses far apart in the same room or they can be started in different rooms to investigate one another through a door. Both pets should have their own secure space with all the necessities. The resident pet should have the more desirable space initially. By the same token, you should greet and feed your resident pet first then your newcomer. They can work out the social hierarchy later on if they so choose.
Set aside time everyday for individual attention. This will reassure your first pet and establish a bond with your new friend. Remember to progress slowly each pet meeting. At mealtime, feed pet at a distance at which they will eat comfortably - decrease this distance slowly each day. Be sure neither can get at the other's dishes!! Pets should be restrained during meetings until they are showing consistently good behavior. This may take several days to weeks and should be with supervision. Have a noisemaker or water bottle on hand. If a conflict arises use these to break it up - NOT your hands.
If you any concerns regarding the integration of your new pet into the family consult your veterinarian or animal behavior specialist.
They are a great source for information. As well medication is sometimes indicated to help pets over the initial hump. Remember to stay relaxed, cautious and patient and have fun with your fuzzy friends.
Articles by Dr. Emma RaghavanAppearing in the Halifax Daily News
CAT CONCERNS
SCARS
strongly encourages and advocates for animal owners to know their pets' needs so that this lovable new addition to your family is as safe and healthy as can be.
Vaccines
Cats should be immunized against feline panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calcivirus, and rabies, and, depending on their lifestyle, against feline leukemia. Most vaccines require boosters and it is vital that you adhere to the schedule set out by your veterinarian. Without boosters, the immunity given by vaccination will disappear and leave your pet susceptible to diseases. The following are certain diseases that can be controlled by vaccination.
Distemper Caused by a parvovirus
Distemper in cats is distinctly different from distemper in dogs. Also known as feline parvovirus or panleukopenia (FP). Since most cats are likely to be exposed to panleukopenia in their lifetime, vaccination against this virus is extremely important. Clinical signs of panleukopenia include vomiting, diarrhea, a loss of appetite, and lack of energy or depression.
Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)
Upper airway disease is caused by a group of viruses and bacteria that attack the cat's upper respiratory tract. URI is highly contagious among cats. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) is a herpes virus. It, along with Calicivirus (FVC) is responsible for 90% of URIs. Signs are sneezing, tearing/ pusy discharge from the nose and eyes and hypersalivation. Some cats will also have a moderate fever and suffer dehydration. Infection in kittens can be fatal. Much less commonly, bacteria called chlamydia can cause URIs. Signs of chlamydia are usually limited to the eyes. Even if treated successfully, URIs can lead to a lifelong disease making vaccination extremely important. Transmission of URIs is by aerosol spray or from direct contact with an infected animal.
Rabies
Caused by a virus and contagious to all warm blooded animals by attacking the nervous system. It is invariably fatal once symptoms occur. The greatest incidence is in foxes, skunks and a new strain that is affecting raccoons. While the HRM does not currently require vaccination for licensing, due to the nature of the disease and the fact that it can be transmitted to people vaccination is strongly recommended. It is important to know the laws regarding rabies vaccination when travelling with your pet.
Feline Leukemia
Feline Leukemia Virus, or FeLV, is a serious viral disease that researchers now considered the number one infectious disease causing death in cats. FeLV can potentially affect any cat at any age. Indoor cats living in single cat households are least likely to be exposed. In the natural environment with cats going outside, the incidence of infection is only about one percent. In multi-cat households or in catteries, it can run as high as ten percent.
The virus itself is highly contagious, readily transmitted from cat to cat through saliva, blood, feces and urine. Close cat contact is necessary for transmission, yet without the cat the virus is very unstable and will die within a few hours outside of a victim. It is highly unlikely you will bring this virus home on your clothing.
Research has shown that kittens can become infected while still in the womb, and for this reason it is very important for breeders to have their cats tested for FeLV prior to mating.
What is surprising to many cat owners is that the majority of cats at some time in their lives actually come in direct contact with FeLV. Fortunately, some cats will never show any clinical signs, let alone succumb to the disease. In these fortunate cats, their own immune system is able to fight off the virus. For the cats in which FeLV does cause disease, it occurs either in the form of cancer or as a suppression of the immune system. This, in turn, causes the system to be weak against other offending diseases. A second form of cancer, although less common, occurs when the virus attacks the bone marrow and blood cells leading to leukemia.
TestingTrying to determine if your cat suffers from FeLV is not a straightforward issue.
Diagnostic testing has its limitations. In most cases the test results have to be determined by a veterinarian in the light of all the other information on your cat's condition. Routine screening of your cats should be done before being introduced into a household containing any other cats. Treatment Unfortunately, there are no long term, successful treatments or cures. Efforts have therefore directed at finding a means of prevention in the form of a vaccine. Vaccination The initial vaccine program consists of a series of two injections followed by an annual booster. It is important when the vaccine program is initiated for your cat that you carefully adhere to the booster schedule outlined by your veterinarian. Missing a booster will require starting the program again from the beginning.
Homecoming
Hopefully, you have picked up all the necessary items and have them ready at home. That way you can take Whiskers home without unnecessary stops.
Try to remember that this is a time of great change for your new pet. If you have a brand new pet, this is his first time away from mom and littermates. With adult pets it is a move to a new home, different from their current residence. It is a good idea to bring your new buddy home in the morning so you have the better part of the day to spend together. Weekends or the beginning of holidays are excellent times for homecomings as well. This will help to make his first few days at home as smooth as possible.
To help with the transition, please remember to get all of the pertinent information from the people who know your pet best. Find out what diet is being fed and the feeding schedule. Then be sure to get the exact same food and follow the same feeding routine. A problem we see quite commonly in pets going to a new home is diarrhea - often due to sudden diet change or the addition of too many new treats. If you would prefer your pet be on a different food that what is currently being fed, simply wait about 2 weeks. Once your pet has had this initial period to "settle in" you can gradually switch to the new diet. We also often see intestinal upset when milk is given to puppies and kittens. Many of these little furry guys are lactose-intolerant. Once they are weaned, puppies and kittens really need only water and a good quality diet to meet all of their needs.
Your pet's health record contains vital information as well. Be sure that you get a copy of this and that you understand the immunization and deworming status of your pet. Once you get home, if you are unsure about repeat deworming or booster immunization date, do not hesitate to call your local veterinarian or your pet's original home.
On the car ride home, the driver should have an assistant to hold the new pet even if you are getting an adult - maybe Fifi will want to be on the driver's lap. If you are going alone to pick up your new addition, a kennel is a great idea. If you have a long drive, plan some stops along the way. Regardless of the length of the drive, have paper towels and bags handy in case of accidents or vomiting.
Once at home, take your pet immediately to his new "bathroom" area. Give him ample time to sniff around and do the necessities. Once in your home, your new pet should be given the opportunity to explore your pet-proofed home. Give him some space and time - resist the temptation to crowd around him. Speaking of crowds, you probably want to keep them to a dull roar for a few days. New pets draw lots of well-intentioned family and friends. Try to give your pet time to get familiar with things before introducing him to the "whole" gang.
Then there is the picking of a name. Try to pick something short and that doesn't sound like any of the commands you will teach him later. Oh, you may want to make sure you know the sex of your pet –so you don’t have to change Charlie to Charlene when you realize the cat is actually female!
strongly encourages and advocates for animal owners to know their pets' needs so that this lovable new addition to your family is as safe and healthy as can be.
Vaccines
Cats should be immunized against feline panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calcivirus, and rabies, and, depending on their lifestyle, against feline leukemia. Most vaccines require boosters and it is vital that you adhere to the schedule set out by your veterinarian. Without boosters, the immunity given by vaccination will disappear and leave your pet susceptible to diseases. The following are certain diseases that can be controlled by vaccination.
Distemper Caused by a parvovirus
Distemper in cats is distinctly different from distemper in dogs. Also known as feline parvovirus or panleukopenia (FP). Since most cats are likely to be exposed to panleukopenia in their lifetime, vaccination against this virus is extremely important. Clinical signs of panleukopenia include vomiting, diarrhea, a loss of appetite, and lack of energy or depression.
Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)
Upper airway disease is caused by a group of viruses and bacteria that attack the cat's upper respiratory tract. URI is highly contagious among cats. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) is a herpes virus. It, along with Calicivirus (FVC) is responsible for 90% of URIs. Signs are sneezing, tearing/ pusy discharge from the nose and eyes and hypersalivation. Some cats will also have a moderate fever and suffer dehydration. Infection in kittens can be fatal. Much less commonly, bacteria called chlamydia can cause URIs. Signs of chlamydia are usually limited to the eyes. Even if treated successfully, URIs can lead to a lifelong disease making vaccination extremely important. Transmission of URIs is by aerosol spray or from direct contact with an infected animal.
Rabies
Caused by a virus and contagious to all warm blooded animals by attacking the nervous system. It is invariably fatal once symptoms occur. The greatest incidence is in foxes, skunks and a new strain that is affecting raccoons. While the HRM does not currently require vaccination for licensing, due to the nature of the disease and the fact that it can be transmitted to people vaccination is strongly recommended. It is important to know the laws regarding rabies vaccination when travelling with your pet.
Feline Leukemia
Feline Leukemia Virus, or FeLV, is a serious viral disease that researchers now considered the number one infectious disease causing death in cats. FeLV can potentially affect any cat at any age. Indoor cats living in single cat households are least likely to be exposed. In the natural environment with cats going outside, the incidence of infection is only about one percent. In multi-cat households or in catteries, it can run as high as ten percent.
The virus itself is highly contagious, readily transmitted from cat to cat through saliva, blood, feces and urine. Close cat contact is necessary for transmission, yet without the cat the virus is very unstable and will die within a few hours outside of a victim. It is highly unlikely you will bring this virus home on your clothing.
Research has shown that kittens can become infected while still in the womb, and for this reason it is very important for breeders to have their cats tested for FeLV prior to mating.
What is surprising to many cat owners is that the majority of cats at some time in their lives actually come in direct contact with FeLV. Fortunately, some cats will never show any clinical signs, let alone succumb to the disease. In these fortunate cats, their own immune system is able to fight off the virus. For the cats in which FeLV does cause disease, it occurs either in the form of cancer or as a suppression of the immune system. This, in turn, causes the system to be weak against other offending diseases. A second form of cancer, although less common, occurs when the virus attacks the bone marrow and blood cells leading to leukemia.
TestingTrying to determine if your cat suffers from FeLV is not a straightforward issue.
Diagnostic testing has its limitations. In most cases the test results have to be determined by a veterinarian in the light of all the other information on your cat's condition. Routine screening of your cats should be done before being introduced into a household containing any other cats. Treatment Unfortunately, there are no long term, successful treatments or cures. Efforts have therefore directed at finding a means of prevention in the form of a vaccine. Vaccination The initial vaccine program consists of a series of two injections followed by an annual booster. It is important when the vaccine program is initiated for your cat that you carefully adhere to the booster schedule outlined by your veterinarian. Missing a booster will require starting the program again from the beginning.
Homecoming
Hopefully, you have picked up all the necessary items and have them ready at home. That way you can take Whiskers home without unnecessary stops.
Try to remember that this is a time of great change for your new pet. If you have a brand new pet, this is his first time away from mom and littermates. With adult pets it is a move to a new home, different from their current residence. It is a good idea to bring your new buddy home in the morning so you have the better part of the day to spend together. Weekends or the beginning of holidays are excellent times for homecomings as well. This will help to make his first few days at home as smooth as possible.
To help with the transition, please remember to get all of the pertinent information from the people who know your pet best. Find out what diet is being fed and the feeding schedule. Then be sure to get the exact same food and follow the same feeding routine. A problem we see quite commonly in pets going to a new home is diarrhea - often due to sudden diet change or the addition of too many new treats. If you would prefer your pet be on a different food that what is currently being fed, simply wait about 2 weeks. Once your pet has had this initial period to "settle in" you can gradually switch to the new diet. We also often see intestinal upset when milk is given to puppies and kittens. Many of these little furry guys are lactose-intolerant. Once they are weaned, puppies and kittens really need only water and a good quality diet to meet all of their needs.
Your pet's health record contains vital information as well. Be sure that you get a copy of this and that you understand the immunization and deworming status of your pet. Once you get home, if you are unsure about repeat deworming or booster immunization date, do not hesitate to call your local veterinarian or your pet's original home.
On the car ride home, the driver should have an assistant to hold the new pet even if you are getting an adult - maybe Fifi will want to be on the driver's lap. If you are going alone to pick up your new addition, a kennel is a great idea. If you have a long drive, plan some stops along the way. Regardless of the length of the drive, have paper towels and bags handy in case of accidents or vomiting.
Once at home, take your pet immediately to his new "bathroom" area. Give him ample time to sniff around and do the necessities. Once in your home, your new pet should be given the opportunity to explore your pet-proofed home. Give him some space and time - resist the temptation to crowd around him. Speaking of crowds, you probably want to keep them to a dull roar for a few days. New pets draw lots of well-intentioned family and friends. Try to give your pet time to get familiar with things before introducing him to the "whole" gang.
Then there is the picking of a name. Try to pick something short and that doesn't sound like any of the commands you will teach him later. Oh, you may want to make sure you know the sex of your pet –so you don’t have to change Charlie to Charlene when you realize the cat is actually female!
VETS ARE ANIMALS FRIENDS TOO
Healing Animal SCARS
– Sonya’s Cat & Animal Rescue Society
Proposal for veterinary care of indigent felines
I wish to obtain a quote for veterinary services to assist the cats that come into my rescue.
I am seeking veterinary advice regarding what health care is required for kittens and grown cats, since the information available online varies greatly.
I intend to test for Feline Leukemia and FIV, provide vaccinations, parasite removal and finally having the cat altered so they cannot reproduce.
Testing for fatal disease:
I have been told that kittens only need to be tested for Feline leukemia, not FIV because it always comes back as a false positive. If the mother cat is with the kittens, is it okay to only test the mother cat, and presume the kittens are the same as the mother?
Vaccinations/immunizations:
At what age does a kitten require vaccines, and which type and how often? What about if I find an adult feline? I should presume that it has never been provided with any vaccines, etc. so what do they need to start? Is it necessary to give boosters of the vaccines, and if so, how far apart?
Parasite control:
Worms - Strongid-T dose every 10 days for 3 doses, then follow up with a pill (Drontal or Cesstex) to eliminate any tapeworm (from fleas or hunting).
Fleas – what product should I use, and at what age? If it is a nursing mother, when can I give flea treatment? If there is no visible sign of fleas, is it still necessary to give a dose of flea treatment?
Feral cats (Trap Neuter Release):
What should be done for feral cats that I intend to trap, alter and release? Should I give them flea and parasite control? Vaccines only needed once? Alter and keep for how long before releasing? Could we put a notch in their ears to identify which cats have already been caught and released?
Please provide me with your opinion as to what health care I need to provide to my rescued cats, as well as your price schedule. I greatly appreciate your time,
Thank you,
Sonya Higgins, Director, SCARS
PHONE: 469-MEOW (469-6369)
FAX: 461-2029
143 Briarwood Drive
Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1B7
– Sonya’s Cat & Animal Rescue Society
Proposal for veterinary care of indigent felines
I wish to obtain a quote for veterinary services to assist the cats that come into my rescue.
I am seeking veterinary advice regarding what health care is required for kittens and grown cats, since the information available online varies greatly.
I intend to test for Feline Leukemia and FIV, provide vaccinations, parasite removal and finally having the cat altered so they cannot reproduce.
Testing for fatal disease:
I have been told that kittens only need to be tested for Feline leukemia, not FIV because it always comes back as a false positive. If the mother cat is with the kittens, is it okay to only test the mother cat, and presume the kittens are the same as the mother?
Vaccinations/immunizations:
At what age does a kitten require vaccines, and which type and how often? What about if I find an adult feline? I should presume that it has never been provided with any vaccines, etc. so what do they need to start? Is it necessary to give boosters of the vaccines, and if so, how far apart?
Parasite control:
Worms - Strongid-T dose every 10 days for 3 doses, then follow up with a pill (Drontal or Cesstex) to eliminate any tapeworm (from fleas or hunting).
Fleas – what product should I use, and at what age? If it is a nursing mother, when can I give flea treatment? If there is no visible sign of fleas, is it still necessary to give a dose of flea treatment?
Feral cats (Trap Neuter Release):
What should be done for feral cats that I intend to trap, alter and release? Should I give them flea and parasite control? Vaccines only needed once? Alter and keep for how long before releasing? Could we put a notch in their ears to identify which cats have already been caught and released?
Please provide me with your opinion as to what health care I need to provide to my rescued cats, as well as your price schedule. I greatly appreciate your time,
Thank you,
Sonya Higgins, Director, SCARS
PHONE: 469-MEOW (469-6369)
FAX: 461-2029
143 Briarwood Drive
Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1B7
COMMUNITY EVENTS/FUNDRAISERS/NOTICES
Healing Animal SCARS-
3. August 19 at 10am - Car Wash at Irving Blue Canoe on Cow Bay Road in Eastern Passage. Volunteers needed to wash cars and discuss adoptions, please call Sonya at 469-MEOW
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2.Car Wash
on Sat., July 29th from 10am to 3pm
at Blue Canoe in Eastern Passage
I rescue stray cats, provide medical attention and then find loving homes for the friendly cats. I also have started a Trap, Neuter and Release program for feral (wild) cats.
I am trying to raise funds to pay for the vet care so desperately needed by these stray cats. Each one needs a test for Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS, then to be vaccinated and treated for parasites such as fleas and worms. They must be spayed or neutered, to prevent further unwanted litters of kittens.
Can you help on July 29th, at a car wash at the Eastern Passage Irving Blue Canoe?
If so, please call Sonya at 469-MEOW (that’s 469-6369)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1.Healing Animal SCARS -
Sonya’s Cat & Animal Rescue Society - rescues cats and kittens from the wild. We are a volunteer organization operating solely on private donations.
We are holding an auction on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 6:00pm at the Sandtrap Restaurant and Lounge in Cole Harbour and request your assistance in the form of a donation, whether it be merchandise, gift certificate or monetary donation.
Presently there are 14 kittens and cats being cared for and requiring medical attention before a loving family can adopt them. The veterinary care for each cat can cost up to $300, so fundraising is vital to our rescue.
If you would like to offer a good home to one of these felines, require more information on our fundraising, or can volunteer your time to our rescue efforts please contact me. Thank you for your interest and donation.
Sonya Higgins, Director
Sonya’s Cat & Animal Rescue Society
902-469-MEOW (902-469-6369)
143 Briarwood Drive
Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1B7
katsonya@accesswave.ca
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://www.herald.ns.ca/Search/517281.html
Choice baths and other best bets By RICK CONRAD
I HATE TO admit it, but sometimes Hubert stinks.
Being a basset hound, it kind of comes with the territory. So that’s why we give him a bath once a week so he doesn’t offend our or others’ olfactory senses too much. (And before you write telling me how cruel I am, he hasn’t exhibited any negative side effects from it.)
con't on link....
A new animal rescue group, Healing Animal SCARS — Sonya’s Cat and Animal Rescue Society, is holding a fundraising car wash on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Irving/Blue Canoe on Cow Bay Road in Eastern Passage. All proceeds will go to the vet care and spaying/neutering of stray and feral cats. For more info, give Sonya Higgins a call at 469-MEOW (6369) or e-mail her at http://www.herald.ns.ca/Search/.
( http://www.herald.ns.ca/Search/)
Rick Conrad is The Chronicle Herald’s education reporter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3. August 19 at 10am - Car Wash at Irving Blue Canoe on Cow Bay Road in Eastern Passage. Volunteers needed to wash cars and discuss adoptions, please call Sonya at 469-MEOW
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2.Car Wash
on Sat., July 29th from 10am to 3pm
at Blue Canoe in Eastern Passage
I rescue stray cats, provide medical attention and then find loving homes for the friendly cats. I also have started a Trap, Neuter and Release program for feral (wild) cats.
I am trying to raise funds to pay for the vet care so desperately needed by these stray cats. Each one needs a test for Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS, then to be vaccinated and treated for parasites such as fleas and worms. They must be spayed or neutered, to prevent further unwanted litters of kittens.
Can you help on July 29th, at a car wash at the Eastern Passage Irving Blue Canoe?
If so, please call Sonya at 469-MEOW (that’s 469-6369)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1.Healing Animal SCARS -
Sonya’s Cat & Animal Rescue Society - rescues cats and kittens from the wild. We are a volunteer organization operating solely on private donations.
We are holding an auction on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 6:00pm at the Sandtrap Restaurant and Lounge in Cole Harbour and request your assistance in the form of a donation, whether it be merchandise, gift certificate or monetary donation.
Presently there are 14 kittens and cats being cared for and requiring medical attention before a loving family can adopt them. The veterinary care for each cat can cost up to $300, so fundraising is vital to our rescue.
If you would like to offer a good home to one of these felines, require more information on our fundraising, or can volunteer your time to our rescue efforts please contact me. Thank you for your interest and donation.
Sonya Higgins, Director
Sonya’s Cat & Animal Rescue Society
902-469-MEOW (902-469-6369)
143 Briarwood Drive
Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1B7
katsonya@accesswave.ca
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://www.herald.ns.ca/Search/517281.html
Choice baths and other best bets By RICK CONRAD
I HATE TO admit it, but sometimes Hubert stinks.
Being a basset hound, it kind of comes with the territory. So that’s why we give him a bath once a week so he doesn’t offend our or others’ olfactory senses too much. (And before you write telling me how cruel I am, he hasn’t exhibited any negative side effects from it.)
con't on link....
A new animal rescue group, Healing Animal SCARS — Sonya’s Cat and Animal Rescue Society, is holding a fundraising car wash on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Irving/Blue Canoe on Cow Bay Road in Eastern Passage. All proceeds will go to the vet care and spaying/neutering of stray and feral cats. For more info, give Sonya Higgins a call at 469-MEOW (6369) or e-mail her at http://www.herald.ns.ca/Search/.
( http://www.herald.ns.ca/Search/)
Rick Conrad is The Chronicle Herald’s education reporter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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