Posted on 12/01/2010 9:31:05 AM PST by TSgt
A new report by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that recommends killing feral cats as a way to control the wild animals has bird lovers crowing and cat lovers hissing.
Most likely to stir debate is the report's finding that a practice commonly used to control feral cats is ineffective at eliminating their colonies. ADVERTISEMENT
The practice of trapping homeless cats, neutering or spaying them and then returning them to the area where they were found has gained popularity across the country. Scores of organizations in cities and communities are dedicated to the trap, neuter and return effort.
The American Bird Conservancy lauds the report.
But Phyllis Larsen, a member of a feral cat management group on the UNL campus called Husker Cats, believes the report is flawed.
They're smart kitties, and very healthy at 11 years. Feral breeding has its advantages. The shy one taught us how to play fetch with her, and she's been known to open the kitchen cabinet and open a metal can with plastic lid when she is hungry. She also opens pocket doors, and the accordion fold door to the linen closet. She likes to sleep on top of the clean towels.
The cat killers will end up killing pet cats. It will be a dangerous job for the cat killers.
The easiest solution is to open a slew of Chinese restaurants..
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