Need Advice

Hi All,

Today when I recieved our "Communtiy News Letter" it stated that if we leave food out or in any way feed stray cats we could be asked to move. Well, there are strays all over the place here and I feed them. It started with ONE little cat that I was feeding and now there are cats everywhere. Which is understandable because they are hungry. I called the rental office and was told to stop feeding them so they would go "somewhere else". I then called our ONLY no kill shelter and they are full and there's a very long waiting list. Especially for cats, being this time of year. I asked for any organization that could help and was told that EVERYONE is full up and can't take any more cats and kittens. I then called the local dog shelter..they don't take or pick up cats and I was told that there is no law about cats in our counties books. Then I was informed that if I feed an animal I become the "responsible party"..meaning the animal is considered mine.

So, if I feed them and it's known..I will lose my home..if I don't feed them, they'll starve until they find someone else that will give them something.The shelters won't take them and the only way they will is if and when our county passes a law and builds a facility for cats. I'm at a loss here. There are cats and kittens EVERYWHERE right now. The woman at the shelter advised that I have them all fixed. I'm talking at there very least eight or nine adult cats and several kittens. I simply don't have the finances to have them all fixed. I have five indoor pets as it is and it's a 24/7 job.

Any advice would be wonderful. I live in Blacksburg Virginia..if anyone knows of ANYONE that could help I would really,really appreciate it.

I understand how you feel. I am not sure what I would do. Maybe just try finding them homes if they are not to wild?

Originally Posted by kitytize

I understand how you feel. I am not sure what I would do. Maybe just try finding them homes if they are not to wild?

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I'm actually thinking about calling the local news. I really can't think of anything else to do. I don't know if they'd be interested. However, from talking to Animal Control and our No Kill Shelter..I now know that there are no laws for cats here and no facility. Something needs to be done about that.

If I were you I would call the HSUS or Alley Cat Allies and ask them about groups in your area. HSUS has a powerful presence on the east coast.

Also there are some very left wing thinkers in your area that favor contraception for cats and dogs as opposed to spay/neuter. I think you should call them and ask if they can refer you to anyone in the area who will help be your advocate for these kitties. http://www.wsava.org/ACCD.htm

Here is another link. Many of these groups may be able to tell you about active people in your area who can help you with the regulations and or the the rescues.

The thing is that if you continue to feed these animals, you will need to TNR trap neuter and return them, and take on this responsibility. And hopefully you can find a group (thru calling the above sources) that will do it for little to no money. Once you do that, i.e. begin active population control of the area, it is not likely anyone will hassle you. But if you just put food out, you probably will be in trouble.

Good luck with all your efforts. I applaud your advocacy for the kitties.

http://www.countyhumane.org/Animal%2...e%20links1.htm