Bless you for your courage & heart!!
I know that at the moment, you don't have much support in your crusade to help these cats, but here's some TCS magic to help you out!! {{{Prayers & vibes}}} for you & the cats! I wish that I were closer, to help out. If you are willing to try to do some recruiting in the neighborhood, maybe the articles from Alley Cat Allies will help: http://www.alleycat.org/resources.html
Have you tried the town or the county tax assessor's office to find the company that owns the railroad? Maybe someone from AlleyCat Allies could give you some tips on what to say when you contact them; maybe even draft a letter for you to send. Also, maybe you could get some free legal aid, just to get a lawyer's advice - you could go to www.nysba.org (New York State Bar Association) or www.lawhelp.org/ny and find an attorney who's willing to donate some pro-bono work. www.animallaw.info has information on the rights of animals, state by state. If worst comes to worst, or you are feeling gutsy, you could contact your local Methodist church and see if the congregation might be willing to help the cats & the homeless people, both very important areas of ministry for the church. I know that my ideas sound "way out" but I feel so badly that you are having to deal with these situation alone. {{{Prayers & vibes}}} for protection & encouragement for the cats & you, and that the mean neighbor gets a change of heart (yeah, that's a big one I know, but hey, miracles can & do happen!) Please keep us posted! kay: Susan
Have you tried the town or the county tax assessor's office to find the company that owns the railroad? Maybe someone from AlleyCat Allies could give you some tips on what to say when you contact them; maybe even draft a letter for you to send. Also, maybe you could get some free legal aid, just to get a lawyer's advice - you could go to www.nysba.org (New York State Bar Association) or www.lawhelp.org/ny and find an attorney who's willing to donate some pro-bono work. www.animallaw.info has information on the rights of animals, state by state. If worst comes to worst, or you are feeling gutsy, you could contact your local Methodist church and see if the congregation might be willing to help the cats & the homeless people, both very important areas of ministry for the church. I know that my ideas sound "way out" but I feel so badly that you are having to deal with these situation alone. {{{Prayers & vibes}}} for protection & encouragement for the cats & you, and that the mean neighbor gets a change of heart (yeah, that's a big one I know, but hey, miracles can & do happen!) Please keep us posted! kay: Susan