"Sick people. I'm embarassed that I live in the same state."
Sometimes I am too, but it's because of the d@mn liberals, never the hunters. :)
I've been listening to my local (Madison) afternoon talk show on this topic. At first it does sound whacked, but in some parts of our state these cats are a big problem. Granted, there are only about 10,000 of them, and you wouldn't think as a whole they'd cause a big problem, but they keep breeding and breeding and breeding, and it should be nipped in the bud before we're over-run with them.
I've lived on my farm for ten years now. Not a year has gone by when someone hasn't dumped an unwanted dog or cat on our property. It's maddening, and it shouldn't be MY responsibility or expense to take care of these animals! I've got enough to do, and already have three dogs and two cats of my own. (All from the local animal shelter, all fixed.)
These ferral cats will never be "rehabilitated" and turned into cuddly-wuddly lap cats, and they'd beat the snot out of any of our Viking Kitties. Putting them down, or trapping them and putting them to sleep are the only solution I can see. If this guy wants to do it, so be it.
We have ferral mink in our area, thanks to PETA Pukes releasing them from a local farm years ago. They kill my chickens, so I've had no problem plinking them off with the .22 from time to time. These cats are in the same category as far as I'm concerned.
I'm a little slow in responding, and I'm sorry for that.
Yes, I know that feral cats can be a problem. My standpoint is that I live in the country and have adopted a few strays and their offspring have taken them to the vet where they've all been neutered or spayed and given the necessary vaccinations. I lock my outside cats up at night, and let them out during the day. I have these cats a number of years and this worries me that some nutjob with a gun will roam around looking for prey and take a couple of shots at my cats. Lord help the poor fool that does and I would catch him.
I've had my share of stray cats (so far, no dogs) finding their way to my door. The ones I see are friendly and have no problem approaching me in a friendly manner, especially if I have food. I am so made at people who take it pets, change their minds, and then just dump them off in the country. I hope there is a special spot in eternity reserved just for them.
I have heard about the feral mink that were "freed" by the PETA whackos as well. A lot of them perish because they are incapable of fending for themselves and feeding themselves after a lifetime in captivity. Although you don't have to worry about a PETA nutcase shooting your animal, they have other twisted thoughts that are just about as dangerous.
Now, how about the wolf/coyote repopulation program? I hear of people's pets disappearing to the ever-increasing wolf and coyote population. One reader had a solution that he or she called the three S's; Shoot, Shovel, and Shutup.
Thanks for your post!