Irresponsibility angers me to no end!

I'm not sure whether I need advice or to just vent, but I need to get this out somewhere and I know I'm among others who will understand.

I am so frustrated. No, I am beyond angry ! There should be some kind of test one should need to take (and pass!) before they are able to own or care for animals. I feel the same way about parenting children, but that's for another forum altogether. I don't even know if this will all make sense because I am that mad right now.

An friend of mine just called me. He called to ask me a couple of questions about cats. Since he was never a cat person, I was surprised by his sudden interest in all things feline. So, when I asked him what was up, he told me...

It seems his fiance had called him up in a panic over something she had witnessed at her sister and brother-in-law's house. Apparently, she had just returned from visiting them (it was her sister's birthday) and she was appalled at what she had seen there. They had somewhere between 10 and 15 cats living outside of their house (these were the ones she was able to see -- no word on how many were really around). They were all beat up, scrawny, and suffering from upper respiratory infections (or something that presented the same way). When my friend's fiance asked about the cats, she was told that they were not their responsibility despite the fact that they were allowed in the house from time to time along with their resident cats. They would be allowed to come in during the day to play with their indoor cats and would be able to eat and stay warm or dry during that time. But, at night, ALL of the cats were kicked back out (including their so-called indoor cats).

So, here are these poor kitties stuck outdoors with no shelter and no access to steady food or water except when they were allowed indoors during the day (about 1-2 times a week per the sister). And, to make matters worse, they were sick and had been sick for quite some time! But, no, there's more -- let us not forget about the "resident" cats who were kicked out and forced to live among the strays each and every night (still no shelter or access to food or water). But, that's not necessarily even the worse part...

Apparently none (yes, I did say NONE) of the cats are spayed or neutered. Not even their "pets." And, supposedly, this leads to a string of pregnancies and births all throughout the year. My friend's fiance said she saw two of the "indoor" cats with litters of at least 4 kittens each in the house. And, that's not mentioning the kittens and adolescent kitties running through the house and around the property.

The sister and brother-in-law claim that they have no money to feed the cats, get them their vaccinations, or get them spayed or neutered. However, they have no problem affording a large, flat screen television, numerous high-ticket electronics, and designer clothes ! Instead, the cats are fed table scraps and bargain cat food. None have ever been to the vet and the majority appear to have parasites (ear mites, fleas) and slight upper respiratory infections. It seems the only thing these people are doing right is that they keep the house clean and there is no catty smell (litter boxes are cleaned regularly). Everything else, though, well, sucks...

After I heard all of this in detail, I got the name and number of the humane society in the county in which they live. I've already left a message for them and am awaiting a return call. I've got no qualms about reporting these people and it's obvious to me that this is what my friend and his fiance wanted me to do (they did confirm this). In fact, they said they would have called themselves, but felt it would be better if it came from an outsider. However, they have said they will speak to someone if who I talk with thinks it's necessary. I understand their position and am just grateful they were willing to do something. Unfortunately, aside from purchasing some better cat food for the indoor cats and setting up a dog house with straw, food, and water outdoors for the strays, there wasn't much that my friend's fiance could do. At least it's better than it was. But, I'm hopeful that after speaking with the humane society (who does humane investigations) that something more will be done and that the cats (both indoor and outdoor) will be removed and given a chance at a happier, healthier life.

Why do people have animals if they're not going to take care of them? How can someone rationalize neglect and the total lack of regard for their pet's (or any animal's) well-being? What is with people and irresponsibility? It's so sickening to me.

I'm just completely shaken up by everything that's happened today. It's truly horrifying and it breaks my heart .

Oh that is SO horrible, those poor cats! I agree, some people should NOT be allowed to be pet owners. I do hope that the humane society is able and willing to do something about this.

Originally Posted by Alison Joy

Why do people have animals if they're not going to take care of them?

Click to expand...

because people are selfish.. and pre-occupied... and, just... more and more disgusting every day (is that harsh?).

i'm totally with ya. i truly can't fathom how some people go through life with little or no regard for the other lives that we share our world with. yes, there's an awful lot that seems beyond our control sometimes because it's part of the 'big picture', but IMHO we most certainly have a responsibility to AT LEAST provide for and protect domesticated species in our immediate environment.... animals that, more often than not, WE have domesticated to this point of dependence in the first place.

is the pain of an empty belly any less gnawing to a cat or dog or mouse, than to a human being? of course not. hunger is hunger. sickness is sickness. it's sad that empathy doesn't extend across the board for many. all the better that people like you (and everyone else here) exist. it sadly seems like a losing battle sometimes, but not for the little kitty that now has a warm blanket to snooze the day away on, clean water to drink, and the affection of a loving 'mom' or 'dad'... and all because someone like you stepped in on their behalf.

what's sad is that these people probably thought in their twisted little minds that they were doing a great thing by giving these cats temporary shelter (where the ferals can share their germ booty with the rest) and a clean litter box (woo hoo!)

anyway, i'm happy that ALL of these kitties may have a brighter future because of your actions. you did a great thing!

<steps down from soapbox here>

Unfrotunately, this is all too common on farms around here. Hopefully in this case, someone can help

It makes me very sad to hear things like this, but I have to admit I grew up in an environment where cats were treated as second class. When I was very little, my mom had 2 horses, and there is still a barn on her property. We always had barn cats, but we never thought twice about having them spayed/neutered or making sure they were healthy.

As a recent "cat convert", it saddens me so that people still treat cats in this way. Since my dad died, I've been after my mom to adopt a pet. She made a comment about how it would be nice to have a cat so that it could rid her garage of rodents... I tried to tell her that shelters really push people to keep their cats indoors, but she still considers cats to be her own personal exterminators, and not much else. So since then I've been urging her to get a dog instead. It really baffles me that so many people consider dogs to be better companion animals than cats, but at the same time, that was how I was raised, so I understand the mentality to a degree.

I have fallen in love with cats SO much, but when I try to convince people how great they are I get eye rolls and snickers. I honestly don't know how to convince people just how amazing cats are when so many have been convinced that they are worthless...

I spoke with the humane society this afternoon and, unfortunately, they don't feel there is anything they can do in the situation regarding my friend's fiance's sister and brother-in-law's cats. They feel that unless there is concrete evidence that the cats are being severely neglected or physically abused, they would not be able to request that the cats be surrendered or, worse, seize them. And, while I'm upset about the situation, I can't say that I don't understand the humane society's position. But, that's all going to change tomorrow...

When I called my friend's fiance, she was extremely upset. It seems that there was more to the story than what she initially let on. However, after speaking with her at length this evening, I now know the full story and am upset as well. At this point, I'm not comfortable posting to this forum all the information I was given tonight, but suffice it to say that the cats and other pets need to be removed from that home. My friend's fiance will be going back to her sister's house tomorrow under false pretenses (she says she is meeting another friend and just wants to stop by to say hello). She's going to be taking as many pictures with her cell phone as possible and then booking it out of there. With the pictures in hand, she's going to head over to the humane society in that town and will be speaking with the humane investigator I spoke with today (she has an appointment). She is very worried about the possible repurcussions, but cares more about the cats than her sister's feelings. I know this is a very uncomfortable situation for her to be in and have offered to support her as much as possible, but I am so touched by her willingness to do all that she can in order to save those precious animals.

I don't quite know what else to post at this point, but when I know more about what action's being taken, I'll let you all know. This is a very sensitive and sad situation and I just hope and pray that these animals can be rescued and given a chance to lead healthy and happy lives.

Please pray that these animals can be given a second chance and that the people who harmed them come to realize the error of their ways. Vibes are definitely needed all the way around .

I figured now was as good a time as any to give an update on this situation. There may be some charges filed in this case so I can only provide a general update -- I don't want to compromise the situation and I was asked by the humane society not to give too many details regarding this case (it is okay for me to speak generally though).

My friend's fiance was able to get photos and video of the cats and other animals in her sister's home. She immediately sent them to the humane society. By the next day, the humane society had requested a face-to-face meeting with her and, thankfully, I was able to attend at her request. While some of the images were horrendous and the topic itself sickening, it was wonderful to see the dedication and commitment the humane society's investigators had for their job and for animals in general. In short, the next day they took a trip over to the brother-in-law and sister's house and removed 6 cats who needed immediate veterinary care. They then asked the brother-in-law and sister to relinquish ownership of ALL of the other animals. And, unfortunately, they declined. Thus, some criminal action may be taken as we go forward.

This all happened two weeks ago. The humane investigaors have gone back to the house twice more and removed 2 more cats who were in dire need of veterinary care and the pressure is on for the brother-in-law and sister to surrender the rest of the animals. Apparently, the humane investigation is still ongoing and the cats that were removed are at the humane society being treated. All but one will be able to be adopted once the investigation is over. Sadly, one cat passed away after being rescued due to an infection brought on by an injury. I'm hoping that the rest of the animals can be removed in short order because I don't want them to suffer the same fate as that one poor soul.

I'm thankful to have been of service to these animals -- even if only in a small way. And, I'm grateful that my friend's fiance was willing to put family aside and be an advocate for her sister's cats. I know it couldn't have been easy for her and I know this has caused a huge rift in her family. So, please, any prayers or vibes you can muster for my friend's fiance, her family, the cats already rescued, and the kitties and other animals still in need would be much appreciated.

If and when I can share more, I will. But, for now, I've said all I can. All that's left is to offer vibes that the animals are given a second chance and that justice is served.

Keep us posted!!!!

God Bless You All for taking swift action and not backing down or turning your heads away from this situation!! I pray that the remaining kitties will live long enough to feel the love of a gentle hand and a warm lap. For the offenders, well, no punishment is sever enough.

I am glad that something is being done. But very sad about what those cats had to go through.

I applaud you and your friend for doing what you did!!!! Please keep us posted about what is going on I hope that all those kitties find a happy healthy home to live in!!!


RIP for those who didnt make it!!!