[Feral Cat Blog! Note: See previous article and notes today and under April 25]
WILDCATS FACE EXTINCTION RISK
Glasgow Daily Record - Glasgow, Scotland, UK


[Feral Cat Blog! Note: Neighborhood Cats newsletter included by permission]
Subj: Neighborhood Cats e-Newsletter (May '04)
From: Bryan Kortis
Date: 5/31/2004

Hello, feral cat activists and supporters! Please take special note this month of item #3 in this e-newsletter and take a moment to send an email in support of the feral cats of Hawaii, who with your help could now turn the corner to better lives. Thanks!

1. Neighborhood Cats joins Animal Care & Control of NYC and Urban Park Rangers to TNR park in Brooklyn
In the first TNR project conducted as part of Operation F.E.L.I.X. (Feral Education & Love Instead of X-termination), Neighborhood Cats and AC&C of NYC joined with the Urban Park Rangers to resolve a long-standing feral cat situation at a city park in Brooklyn. In a joint effort during two days this May, 21 of 26 cats were trapped. On May 12, the felines were neutered by AC&C staff in their mobile s/n clinic. While confined, the cats were cared for by Neighborhood Cats volunteers, the Rangers and the caretaker. (The remaining 5 cats - three were nursing first time around - are slated for next month.)

As so often is the case, the problem began with a few abandoned cats and a kind-hearted caretaker who lacked the resources to do more than feed them. The population kept growing and while the cats were well-liked, their numbers began to cause the usual problems - kittens all over, smell, fighting. With the mass trapping and neutering, the situation has dramatically improved.

Also pitching in to make this groundbreaking project a success were the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, who placed a friendly torti in a great foster (?) home, and Urban Cat League , who took in a nursing mom and her newly-born-in-the-trap kittens. Once again, TNR helps lead the way in colloborative efforts to help our city's animals.

2. Mayor's Alliance receives $5 million grant from ASPCA
On May 23, 2004, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) announced a five million dollar funding commitment to the Mayor's Alliance for New York City's Animals. Beginning in 2005, the ASPCA will fund one million dollars per year for five years to support the Mayor's Alliance, which aims to make New York City "no kill" in five years. A public-private partnership with the City of New York that was launched in 2002, the Mayor's Alliance brings together more than 60 nonprofit animal care groups, including the ASPCA, the Humane Society of New York, Animal Care &Control of New York City and other rescue organizations such as Neighborhood Cats.

"The ASPCA is committed to reducing euthanasia and working with the City of New York to reach the Mayor's Alliance goal to make NYC no kill," said ASPCA Chairman of the Board and CEO Hoyle C. Jones, who was accompanied by ASPCA President Edwin J. Sayres in making the announcement at the Mayor's Alliance adopt-a-thon in Central Park.

"This unprecedented financial commitment from the ASPCA will significantly improve animal welfare in our city," said Mayor Michael Bloomberg in a proclamation. "This commitment validates the public-private initiative that we established when we created the Mayor's Alliance and will enable the Alliance to attract additional private investment from foundations and individual donors to improve the private adoption and spay/neuter infrastructure that supports our public facilities. Leveraging private resources will help us reach our goal of having no adoptable cat or dog euthanized because it does not have a home."

The Mayor's Alliance is the host organization for the New York City Feral Cat Council, of which Neighborhood Cats is a founding member.

3. Help Hawaii's Ferals and advoCATS Grab the Opportunity for Acceptance of TNR
Since 1999, in an amazing tribute to the dedication and caring of caretakers everywhere, Hawaii's local feral cat group, advoCATS , has been running a Trap-Neuter-Return program with absolutely no public (read that "official") support from any of the local authorities - all volunteers, all done with donations. In that time, they have spayed/neutered more than 2,000 cats despite what is often extreme opposition from locals, including poisoning, other assaults on colonies, intimidation of caretakers, and more.

Recently, three cats were brutally killed and strung up on fishing line at a local boat harbor. The unconscionable crime has been interpreted by a Honolulu paper as a protest against people feeding cats there. PETA and HSUS have offered reward money totaling $5,000 for help in the investigation.

The horror of this incident and the outcry against it have created an opportunity for advoCATS and its supporters to demand open and public acceptance of TNR from the Hawaii Island Humane Society (HIHS) which holds the county's animal control contract. You can help by sending an email to the executive director of HIHS and the Mayor of Hawaii County and requesting (politely!) that HIHS officially announce TNR is the preferred method of controlling feral cat populations. Explain that TNR is both humane and effective, that no other method works to reduce feral numbers, and that advoCATS and their volunteers are community servants who deserve recognition and protection.

Please email
HIHS's acting executive director at: rjenkins@hihs.org
Mayor Harry Kim at: cohmayor@interpac.net

4. Website of the month: IndyFeral
Over the past few years, one of the nation's most successful community TNR programs has been quietly built by the Indianapolis-based feral cat organization, IndyFeral (www.indyferal.org). They have successfully introduced TNR on a county-wide scale, offering $20 spay/neuter (with vaccinations) and assistance in the management of over 550 colonies!

Their website offers a model on what to do for all feral cat groups who aspire to community-wide implementation of TNR. Among the highlights are the Hamilton County ordinance on feral cats, which legitimizes and regulates the practice of trap-neuter-return. Also, check out IndyFeral's shelter building program, now conducted in cooperation with a local prison facilty. Note, too, how written policies such as "FIV/FeLV testing" have been promulgated to provide clear guidelines on the group's practices.

Representatives from IndyFeral will be presenting at this year's National Feral Cat Summit in NYC.

5. Cats & the City - Photo and Art Contest!
This coming November 1, 2004, at the National Arts Club on Gramercy Park South, Neighborhood Cats will be among those hosting "Cats & the City", a fundraising extravaganza celebrating NYC's felines. Fittingly, given the prestigious setting, a featured part of the event will be an art exhibit based on the event's theme. Three spots for exhibition are being reserved for the public and submissions are now being accepted! Here are the guidelines:

* Artwork must relate to the theme of "Cats & the City" - paintings, photographs, mixed media and sculpture are all eligible.
* $10 per submission, no limit on number of submissions (please make check out to "Neighborhood Cats")
* Send color photo or photocopy of artwork, along with submission fee and your contact info to:

"Cats & the City" Submissions
Neighborhood Cats
2565 Broadway, No. 555
New York, NY 10025

6. Trap-Neuter-Return Training Offered in Boston

Feed-and-Fix Feral Cat Workshop
June 26, 2004, 9 am - Noon (information session only: 9 - 9:30 am)
MSPCA Auditorium
350 South Huntington, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
$5 admission
Reserve a seat: HubCats, 617-524-2867, HubCatsBoston@aol.com

Uneasy about the number of cats on the street in your neighborhood? Feeding a growing number of homeless cats at your door, or know someone who does? There's an alternative to watching and worrying that will make life better for them, for you, and for your neighborhood. Learn what to do and where to locate resources in the Boston area.

Topics will include: controlling cat populations with trap-neuter-return (TNR), community relations, improving food and shelter, low/no-cost spay/neutering for feral cats, and adoption resources

7. More on the FIV/FeLV testing issue
For a comprehensive new article on the testing issue for feral cats, check out: http://www.castawaycritters.org/feraltesting.html

8. Neighborhood Cats website updates
* Check out the new additions on our Hard to Catch Cats page - the "trap-in-a-box" from Susan Greene and the "training the cat" technique.
* Now online for viewing and printing out - the National Feral Cat Summit program and registration form
* New Chinese (Mandarin) and Japanese translations of our renowned "TNR Mini-course" can now be downloaded at no cost off our home page.

Our thanks as always to everyone for supporting our work and for doing yours!


[Previously posted on the Feral Cat Blog! under May 21]
June is:
The ASPCA's Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month. This year's theme… "Meow More Than Ever… Adopt a Shelter Cat!"
and
American Humane's Adopt-A-Cat Month. "Celebrated every June, the tradition not only promotes cat adoptions from shelters, it also provides an opportunity to teach members of the public how to care for a new cat or kitten responsibly."
Both have ready-to-use materials to help shelters and rescues educate the community and increase the adoption of cats and kittens.


Evidence in, foxes are here in force
[Excerpt]
Mr Schaap said feral cats were a different sort of problem from foxes. It was a matter of managing rather than eradicating cats, he said.
Hobart Mercury, Australia


Paws and Effect: There's only one cure for this kitty's problem
VillageSoup, ME


Today (Memorial Day)
[Scroll down to, excerpted here]
ROSS COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY: The Ross County Humane Society has spay and neuter applications now available for low-income Ross County residents with pets. For more information, call the animal shelter at 775-6808. Proof of income required.
Chillicothe Gazette, OH


Easing the burden for beasts
Activist wins fight to reform animal-shelter policies
Cincinnati Enquirer


Summer is packed with health hazards for pets
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, IN


Wildcats 'close to extinction'
ic Ayrshire.co.uk, UK
[ Feral Cat Blog! Note: not sure why this Scottish wildcats story was picked up now around the UK. A news article appeared originally on the Feral Cat Blog! under April 25 about the findings of Oxford professors indicating the extinction risk of Scottish wildcats and their hybridisation with feral domestic cats. Fascinated, I learned more about S. wildcats as well as other small wildcats.
The report, written by Professor David Macdonald and Dr Fran Tattersall of Oxford University's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit and published by the Mammals Trust UK, includes a beautiful photo of a S. wildcat and a pelage characteristics chart showing how close the S. wildcat and feral domestic cats are:
(Downloadable PDF file) "The State of Britain's Mammals 2004"
Here is Sarah Hartwell's article "DOMESTIC X WILDCAT HYBRIDS".
And the Scottish Wildcats website. ]


June is “Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat” Month at the East Bay SPCA
Emediawire (press release)


Pest animals cost farmers over $720 m per annum
ABC Online - Australia


Community Calendar
[Scroll down to]
... June 5 from 11 am to 3 pm June is Adopt-A-Shelter Cat month ...
Bennington Banner - Bennington, VT, USA


Pet sterilization, adoption common in animal shelters
Jackson Sun - Jackson, TN, USA
[Feral Cat Blog! Note: Uh, sterilization and adoption are not common enough. Also, the Kentucky law referred to in this article DID pass -- see the article above titled "Easing the burden for beasts" which reads in part "Provisions of Kentucky's new animal-control law include: Gunshot shall not be used as a routine method of euthanasia."]


Animal control becomes Wilson issue
The Tennessean - Nashville, TN, USA


Lee's Humane Society considers office closing as budget tightens
Bonita Daily News - Naples, FL, USA


Look for these pets at The Humane Society:
... Animal Care Council holds spay-neuter clinics for cats at its adoption
center at 131 Washington Ave., Endicott. Spays $40; neuters $30. Rabies
vaccines $5. ...
Press & Sun-Bulletin - Binghamton, NY, USA


Bruce Museum's parking woes force animal shelter to search for a ...
Greenwich Time, CT


Shy Cats Probably Won't Make Any More Friends
Albuquerque Journal (subscription), NM


Call to bring back fox bounty
NEWS.com.au - Australia

Officials hope ordinance will curb local animal problems
Freeport Journal Standard - Freeport, IL, USA


Humane Society eyes east branch
Bradenton Herald - Bradenton, FL, USA


Orphanages gave Aberdeen man start in law enforcement, art
Aberdeen American News - Aberdeen, SD, USA


Students comfort abandoned cats
Tri-Valley Herald, CA


Special cat has special needs
Alton Telegraph, IL


Balloon Rally needs volunteers
[Scroll to]
... Concern.". The session will include information on the feline population in Iredell County and the trap, neuter, release program. ...
Charlotte Observer (subscription), NC


Off Main Street
[Scroll down to]
Rapping for dog licenses
Buffalo News, NY


Budget writers can do better
Wilmington Morning Star, NC

70 cats removed from Waterloo house
Waterlo Cedar Falls Courier, IA


Animal abuse case referred for prosecution
Appleton Post Crescent, WI


The Highlands debate that wasn't
Parsippany Daily Record, NJ


Learning the ABCs of Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month
Alameda Times-Star - Alameda, CA, USA


County dog shelter has supporters
... Moon, animal control officer for 10 years, said he lacks the equipment
to catch dogs (there's no cat ordinance) and is occasionally forced to
bring one to a ...
Bennington Banner - Bennington, VT, USA


No new animal statute, for now
Buncombe commissioners reject plan but agree to re-examine issue in July
Asheville Citizen Times, NC


Condo association sues to evict pets, citing ban
Akron Beacon Journal (subscription), OH


Mall's going to the dogs, cats
Los Angeles Daily News, CA

Purr-fect neighbor
The Dispatch - Gilroy, CA, USA


NC pet food tax bill won't be debated this session
Charlotte Observer (subscription) - Charlotte, NC, USA


Reader Opinions [to a news article posted on the Feral Cat Blog! under May 7]:
Borough suspends cat licensing
An ordinance limiting the number of cats per household will be put on hold for one year.
Windsor-Hights Herald, NJ


Cat ordinance would set no limit on number
Muskegon Chronicle - Muskegon, MI, USA


AROUND BROWARD COUNTY
Broward County animal control officers -- working to control the spread of rabies -- will be walking door to door in Margate, North Lauderdale and Tamarac to ...
Miami Herald (subscription), FL


ROBERT HALLSTROM Someone has soft spot for cats
Ledger Dispatch, CA


A place where everybody's taken care of
Merrimack River Current - Byfield, MA, USA


[Upcoming Event]
JULY 31, 2004
Gainesville, Florida
6th Annual Florida Cat Conference


[Upcoming Event]
August 19-21, 2004
Orlando, Florida
CHAMP, the Conference on Homeless Animal Management and Policy
[CHAMP and Spay/USA are programs of The Pet Savers Foundation]
Download the brochure and register online.
Many workshops on homeless animal issues including these pertaining to cats, feral cats and spay/neuter:
Thursday, August 19
Wildlife and Free-Roaming Cats
Friday, August 20
Feral Cats: Controversies and Controls
Getting Involved: An Interactive Experience in Lobbying Spay/Neuter Issues
An Introduction to the Diseases of Wildlife
Feline Infectious Disease: Testing and Vaccination Strategies
Marketing Spay and Neuter
Feline URI: Why Oh Why
Working with Veterinarians
Saturday, August 21
Large-Scale Feral Cat Sterilization: From Trap to Table
High-Volume Spay/Neuter Clinics
Parasite Prevention and Treatment
Nonsurgical Contraception Panel


Woman wins fight to keep more than 100 cats
KTRK - Houston, TX, USA


Your Business Community
[Scroll down to bottom]
Recognition
Just Strays Animal Foundation
IdahoStatesman.com, ID


New website: Kitten Rescue


World Briefings EUROPE
AUSTRIA: TOUGH ANIMAL RIGHTS LAW Under a tough animal rights law adopted unanimously by Parliament, hens will be free to run around barnyards, lions and tigers will vanish from circus acts, and Dobermans like the one at left will sport the floppy ears that nature intended. "Austria is taking the role of pioneer," Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel told Parliament, saying the new law "lifts animal protection to the highest level internationally." Among other things, the law, which takes effect in January and will be phased in over several years, will bar pet owners from cropping their dogs' ears or tails, force farmers to uncage their chickens, and ensure that puppies and kittens no longer swelter in pet shop windows. It also outlaws the use wild animals in circuses and makes it illegal to restrain dogs with chains, choke collars or "invisible fences" that administer mild electric shocks. (AP)
New York Times


Tough animal rights laws enacted in Austria Regulations protect a range
of creatures from hens to dogs
Associated Press
MSNBC.com


Horry stops stray-cat pickups
Myrtle Beach Sun News - Myrtle Beach, SC, USA


Stray felines are put to sleep
South Florida Sun-Sentinel - Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA


Shelter group should rethink no-kill policy
Jackson Sun - Jackson, TN, USA


Why a tree hollow is a good place to live
ABC Regional Online, Australia

PETA OFFERS $2500 TO NAB HONOKOHAU CAT KILLER
Group Joins Hawaii Island Humane Society in Effort to Bring Animal Abuser to Justice
PETA (press release)


Flightless bird seen going way of dodo
Daily Yomiuri, Japan


Rabbits back to public enemy No. 3 as cats and foxes reign
Sydney Morning Herald - Sydney, New South Wales, Australia


Next step for her is hospital treatment for cat-hoarding
San Francisco Chronicle, CA


Clinic coming to Maysville
Kinston Free Press, NC


[Event: NYC]
Workshop: Trap-Neuter-Return: How to Manage a Feral Cat Colony
Saturday, June 5, 2004 (hosted by Animal Care & Control of NYC)
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Law Offices of Schulte Roth and Zabel
919 Third Avenue (entrance on 55th Street), 24th Floor
New York, NY
RSVP (required) to Neighborhood Cats:
212-662-5761 or headcat@neighborhoodcats.org


Online Course on Trap-Neuter-Return: Managing Feral Cat Colonies
Quick Course- available at any time
Interactive Course- June 14, 2004
Register at SuiteUniversity.com
(click here)
Now you can study TNR online at your convenience. Authored and instructed by Neighborhood Cats, this new class is a comprehensive presentation of all aspects of performing hands-on TNR work.


Paw Prints
Redding Record Searchlight


Animal Friends will get to sprawl
North Hills News Record - Warrendale, PA, USA


Butler humane society may close
Pittsburgh Post Gazette - Pittsburgh, PA, USA


Golf Tourney Supports Animal Rescue Group
Tampa Tribune - Tampa, FL, USA


City Council fine-tunes budget
News 14 Charlotte - Charlotte, NC, USA


Whitley County to have animal shelter starting in July
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, IN


Rabies Q&A
WSOCtv.com, NC


Better digs on the way for orhpaned cats, dogs
Providence Journal (subscription), RI


Port Angeles: Family holds out hope that bobcat Darby will come home
Port Angeles Peninsula Daily News, WA


LOCAL HOME WITH 26 CATS TEMPORARILY UNINHABITABLE
Westerly Sun, RI


Donations Pour in to Shelter After Animal Rescue
WBAY, WI


Are these residents abusers or abused?
Ivorytown Beacon - Ivorytown, CT, USA


County takes step to prevent rabies outbreak
Maryville Daily Times - Maryville, TN, USA

National Feral Cat Summit - Program & Registration Form
The complete program and registration form is now available for the National Feral Cat Summit, to be held on National Feral Cat Day, October 16, 2004, in New York City:

http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/special/program_reg_form.htm

The Summit is presented by Neighborhood Cats in partnership with In Defense of Animals (IDA) and the ASPCA. Sponsors also include Maricopa County Animal Care &Control, the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, and the Humane Society of NY.

"The Summit represents a significant step forward for TNR," said Bryan Kortis, executive director of Neighborhood Cats. "Thanks to the work of Alley Cat Allies, and now also the ASPCA and IDA, Trap-Neuter-Return has become widely known in the United States. More and more communities realize it's the only humane and effective way to permanently reduce feral cat populations and they want to give it a try. It's crucial now to give them the tools they need for TNR to succeed. That's what the Summit is all about."

Speakers (at morning lectures and afternoon workshops) include to date:

Ed Boks, Animal Care &Control of NYC
Jane Hoffman, Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals (opening remarks)
Donna Wilcox, Alley Cat Allies
Gail Buchwald, ASPCA
Bryan Kortis,Neighborhood Cats
Emma Cobb, Neighborhood Cats
Meredith Weiss, Neighborhood Cats
Anitra Frazier, author "The New Natural Cat"
Valerie Sicignano, In Defense of Animals
Lawrence Carter-Long, In Defense of Animals
Julie Bank, Maricopa County Animal Care &Control
Dona Baker, Feral Cat Caretakers' Coalition (Los Angeles)
Holly Sizemore, No More Homeless Pets in Utah
Lisa Tudor, IndyFeral (Indianapolis)
Greg Brush, IndyFeral (Indianapolis)
Jessica Pitts, Alley Cat Advocates (Kentucky)
Humane Society of NY

For further details, please see the program and registration form.


Galapagos Islands: A meld of mysticism and stark reality
Mattoon Journal, IL


Group addresses City's Rising Problem of Feral Cats
The Oakdale Leader, CA


Cat Woman Incompetent to Stand Trial
KRON4.com, CA


Test program to target stray cats
Ralston Recorder - Ralston, NE, USA


Bethany Town Cats thanks The Parkway
Bethany Beach Wave - Bethany Beach, DE, USA


New, improved animal shelter opens to public
Newport News Times - Newport, OR, USA


Mice defying eradication on Leeward Coast
Honolulu Advertiser, HI


Unwanted Cats Dumped Outside Pet Store
KOIN, OR


Campbellford - Are your pets trying to tell you something ?
Stirling Community Press, Canada


China split over animal welfare
Al-Jazeera, Qatar


Bulverde Humane Society has new leash on life
Canyon Lake Times Guardian, TX-


Don't let fleas, ticks and mosquitos bug your pet
Richmond Times Dispatch, VA


Inventing the wheel
San Diego Union Tribune, CA


Animal group offers $1000 reward for information about cat abuse case
Channel News Asia, Singapore


4th of July Survival Kit for Cats
phoenix.about.com, AZ


GSC Proceeds With Commercial Cat Cloning
UKPets, UK


Holly Ridge plant hirings in the works
Wilmington Morning Star, NC


Activist's mission of mercy saves cats in derelict trailer park
Tacoma News Tribune - Tacoma, WA, USA


Pet sale limits urged
Press-Enterprise (subscription) - Riverside, CA, USA


Guest Commentary by Kathi McDermott
West University Examiner - River Oaks, TX, USA


Kitty kidney recipient, donor recovering well
Kansas.com - KS, USA


City digs for cash in tight budget
Charlotte Observer (subscription) - Charlotte, NC, USA


Shooting in the Dark
PC World - USA


Animal shelter site is chosen
Baxter Bulletin, AR

[Feral Cat Blog! Note: There was a temporary glitch most of today on blogspot.com url addresses that include www. If you have further difficulty accessing, just leave the www out of the url or website address. That would be: http://catsinthenews.blogspot.com ]


The Scoop Central Pennsylvania's Primary Resource on Cats (May/June 2004 issue).
A publication of Castaway Critters, a no-kill organization in Pennsylvania (Stray Cat Alliance became a part of Castaway Critters in 2004) and member of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance (CPAA).
[Feral Cat Blog! Note: Castaway Critters is one of the best websites for cat/feral cat, TNR, spay/neuter info and resources!]


Regional Roundup
[Scroll down to]
Reduced costs pay-neuter
Eligible people can have their dogs or cats spayed or neutered for only $10 per pet through the Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County's Spay-Neuter Assistance Clarksville program.
Clarksville Leaf Chronicle, TN


Rabid fox attacks child at school
Washington Daily News - Washington, NC, USA


Cat traps not neighborly
ChicoER.com


Lock up your cat or face $300 fine
NEWS.com.au - Australia


Nordic Naturals Offers Quality Omega-3 Product for Pets
PR Newswire (press release)


Pet licensing data reveals the top dog names and breeds in the ...
Seattle Post Intelligencer, WA


Pet Zone: Preventing West Nile Virus
News 24 Houston, TX


The fable of the Cats
The Illinois Leader, IL


Critter Corner by Susan D. Lawson
Victorville Daily Press, CA


Feline free nights
Bendigo Advertiser, Australia


Double Take: Boyfriend Vs. Furry Friend
[Feral Cat Blog! Note: This column appeared across the nation.]
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc.
KMGH, CO


Overcrowding reaches crisis level at animal shelters
Daytona Beach News-Journal - Daytona, FL, USA


Seemore's nearly purrfect
Detroit Free Press - Detroit, MI, USA


Nova Scotia
[Scroll down to]
... The Kings County SPCA spent nearly $50,000 paying vet bills last year,
mostly to spay/neuter and treat stray cats. A small percentage ...
Halifax Herald (subscription) - Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada


A not-so-simple solution
Visalia Times-Delta - Visalia, CA, USA


Free subscriptions available to teachers
IndyFeral Inc. slates annual fund-raising sale
Indianapolis Star, IN


ANIMAL DOCTOR
Washington Post, DC

Ten Worst Excuses Not to Spay or Neuter a Pet
Zongoo!com - Salisbury, NC, United States


Recreation, apply as a guide
Zongoo!com - Salisbury, NC, United States


It's raining cats and dogs
Newsday, NY


Cats apparently hung
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, HI


Park marine mammals suffer seemingly preventable illness, death
Bradenton Herald, FL


Rabies cases in 2004 already tied with 2003
The county health department is hosting four rabies clinics next month.
phillyburbs.com


Let's stop coddling the tax soreheads
Charlotte Observer (subscription), NC


Pet-friendly gardens cultivate challenges
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, IN


Pennsville nears start of Main Street project
The committee handled several other business items at its meeting last week:
The committee unanimously passed a resolution hiring Deborah A. Hasher and Karen E. Chamberlin as dog census takers to conduct a door-to-door cataloging of canines and cats in the township. They will determine the number of such animals per household and whether they have been licensed.
Today's Sunbeam, NJ


Friend to feathers and fur
Toronto Star, Canada


How to turn your cat into a more social creature
Rocky Mountain News, CO


Panthers on the Prowl : Males are the loneliest numbers
Daytona Beach News-Journal, FL


Tales suggest this may still be panther country
Daytona Beach News-Journal, FL


Manicures for cats
News 8 Austin, TX


Where shyness can be deadly
Durham Herald Sun - Durham, NC, USA


Look for these pets at the Front Street Dog Shelter:
* Stray Haven Humane Society is filled beyond capacity. Cats and kittens available, with a reduced rate for multiple adoptions. ...
Press & Sun-Bulletin - Binghamton, NY, USA


Cat Crisis!
Boca Raton News - Boca Raton, FL, USA


No-kill pet goal
New York Daily News - New York, NY, USA


No pet control clinic in budget
Charlotte Observer (subscription) - Charlotte, NC, USA


Pre-election tax jitters put pet bill in doghouse
Wilmington Morning Star - Wilmington, NC, USA

ASPCA Announces $5 Million Commitment to Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals Inc.; Bloomberg Issues Proclamation in Support of Initiative to Reduce Euthanasia, Increase Pet Adoption
U.S. Newswire (press release) - Washington, DC, USA


Panthers on the Prowl: Florida's big cats rebound
But remain at mercy of politics, science and growth
Daytona Beach News-Journal


Never Say Never
Daily Ardmoreite, OK


TOO-FAT CATS
New York Post, NY


Snakehead Hoopla Leaves Calm in Its Wake
Washington Post - Washington, DC, USA


Squirrels are one of nature’s treasures
Bowling Green Daily News - Bowling Green, KY, USA


Walk benefits homeless animals
Middletown Press - Middletown, CT, USA


New animal shelter is at a critical stage
SunHerald.com - Biloxi, MS, USA


Wily Coyotes Giving Floridians Fits
Tampa Tribune, FL


Sun-bleached Italian island deserves more than a day trip
Charleston Post Courier (subscription), SC


Owner of 41 cats to pay up to $12000 for feline's transplant
Lawrence Journal World, KS


Panic Mouse toy helps cats play while owner's away
Houston Chronicle, TX


Silence of the birds
Advertiser, Australia

Got a cat problem? Heights to reinforce feline code
Petersburg Progress Index - Petersburg, VA, USA


SEEMORE THE CAT GETS A NEW KIDNEY
Detroit Free Press - Detroit, MI, USA


Momma Cat shelter owner is court ’ s meow
Angleton Times - Angleton, TX, USA


Spate of felines fall from high-rise flats
Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia


Your pet's safe return may depend on what type of microchip he ...
Alameda Times-Star, CA


On the prowl
... Rosetta, who has a long list of awards in her career, specializes in sculptures of animals, in particular, African cats, American wildcats and domestic cats. ...
The Saginaw News, MI


[Feral Cat Blog! Note: This story appears nationwide.]
Brain parasite caused sea otter deaths in California
[Excerpt]
"After examining the animals, researchers determined the majority were infected with a single-celled parasite called Sarcocystis neurona and suffered brain inflammation, according to the state Department of Fish and Game.
The parasite originates in the feces of opossum -- a small marsupial mammal not native to California -- and is known to cause brain damage. Researchers are unclear how the otters came into contact with the feces.
Sea otter deaths attributed to Sarcocystis neurona have been reported before, but not in a localized cluster, researchers said.
Researchers previously suspected that domoic acid, a naturally occurring toxin found in algae, were behind last month's otter deaths. They now believe only a few of the otters were killed or sickened by the toxin."
North County Times, CA

OTTER PUZZLE
Monterey County Herald, CA

Brain Parasite Killing California Sea Otters
ScienceBlog.com

[See these articles from April 28 and 27]

Researchers seek answers for otter deaths
[Excerpt]
"Scientists have not yet determined the cause of the deaths, but two culprits are suspected: domoic acid, a natural marine toxin produced by algae during "red tides"; and parasite-ridden cat feces that is either washed into the ocean in storms or carried by kitty litter flushed down the drain."
Monterey County Herald, CA - Apr 28, 2004

Sea Otter Deaths Spread
KRON4.com, CA - Apr 28, 2004

News briefs from California's Central Coast
[Scroll down to]
SANTA CRUZ – Sea otter deaths have now spread to Monterey Bay.
San Diego Union Tribune, CA - April 27, 2004

June is:
The ASPCA's Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month. This year's theme… "Meow More Than Ever… Adopt a Shelter Cat!"
and
American Humane's Adopt-A-Cat Month. "Celebrated every June, the tradition not only promotes cat adoptions from shelters, it also provides an opportunity to teach members of the public how to care for a new cat or kitten responsibly."

Both have ready-to-use materials to help shelters and rescues educate the community and increase the adoption of cats and kittens.


Mobile Spay, Neuter Clinic Travels Around Triangle
NBC 17.com - Raleigh, NC, USA


Euthanized cougar was injured
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources officials believe the animal was, in fact, injured and turned to pet dogs and cats as food because they were easy prey. ...
Salt Lake Tribune, UT


Two more rabies cases confirmed in Cumberland
... Cows, horses and bobcats in the state have tested positive for rabies. State law requires that cats and dogs receive rabies vaccinations. ...
Fayetteville Online, Fayetteville NC


Walk for cat sanctuary set for this Saturday
Middletown Press - Middletown, CT, USA


How many pets must die?
Charlotte Observer (subscription) - Charlotte, NC, USA


West Volusia Neighbors news briefs
... Heartworm testing will be available for $14 and low-cost spay neuter certificates will be ...
Daytona Beach News-Journal - Daytona, FL, USA


Petaluma city briefs
[Scroll down to]
Rule changes limit ownership of animals
... The council also established restrictions on feral cat colonies in or near parks and ... by the case of Marilyn Barletta, who accumulated more than 200 cats in her ...
Santa Rosa Press Democrat, CA


Animal control may revert to localities
Hampton Roads Daily Press, VA


Coyotes' colonization of eastern suburbs a final phase in ...
Centre Daily Times, PA


Isle of Wight reports 4th rabies case
Virginian Pilot, VA


Pet owners banking DNA in hopes of copycat clones
KING5.com (subscription), WA


Computer-created cat ad now a nightmare for Ford
Hampton Roads Daily Press, VA


June Is Time To Adopt
The Eureka Reporter, CA


Hospital sets up pet visits
Dallas Morning News (subscription), TX


Cats Blamed for Starting Kan. House Fire
Chicago Tribune (subscription), IL
Cats blamed for starting Kan. house fire
MLive.com, MI


Nearly four-dozen cats seized in animal neglect case
CLATSOP COUNTY - Thursday officials seized nearly four-dozen cats and one dog from a home near Knappa Oregon.
Katu.com, OR

Battle Creek City Council
The Battle Creek City Council approved an ordinance at its May 11 meeting, which sets several fees. ... There will be a $10 license fee for each spayed dog or cat. ...
Ida County Courier - Ida Groove IA, USA


More Cats Removed from Home
Ohio News Network, OH


Fur flies over fate of feline
Peoria Journal Star, IL


Student cashes in on feline friend
Silverton Appeal Tribune, OR


Pawprints spay/neuter van schedules visit to Girard
Pittsburg Morning Sun, KS

Dept. warns residents to avoid stray animals
Howell Tri Town News, NJ


Board needs solutions
Millstone Examiner - Millstone, NJ, USA


Fluffy, Fido also must follow the law
Akron Beacon Journal (subscription), OH


Park Ruled Out as Option for Student Housing
[Scroll down to, excerpted here]
In other action, the council:
Announced that cat licenses are now available at the borough office. The licenses cost $2 each. The council enacted a cat-licensing ordinance earlier this year after residents complained about too many stray cats.
Indiana Gazette, PA


New Domestic Animal Services board meets tonight
[Collier County, FL]
Naples Daily News, FL


Viewpoints (May 18, 2004)
Feral cat situation needs community's attention
West Hawaii Today


Owners must be responsible says the Cats Protection
Buchan Observer, UK


PART 2 : CAUSES OF DEATH
Orlando Sentinel (subscription), FL


[Scroll down to]
Neuter Scooter to be in Marion
The Neuter Scooter will be in Marion on Thursday to spay and neuter cats at a discount.
Reserve a spot with a $5 deposit. Cost is $40, cash or money order, due at check in. Additional discount services are available.
Call the Marion-Grant County Humane Society at 664-1111.
Marion Chronicle Tribune, IN


Run with big dogs
Wilkes Barre Times-Leader, PA


A dictionary to scare off 'phobophobes'
Independent Online, South Africa


Cat shot, blinded
San Mateo Daily Journal, CA


Cats wake 2 women during blaze
Stevens Point Journal, WI


Cell call sends firefighters to wrong River Road
Cincinnati Post, OH


Feline friends just want to be loved--on their own terms
The Free Lance-Star, VA


For goodness' sake, make sure you keep your pets vaccinated
The Free Lance-Star, VA


I'll worry when the veterinarians worry
The Free Lance-Star, VA


Cat opponent should have done homework before writing
The Free Lance-Star, VA


I've had a wonderful experience with rescued cats
The Free Lance-Star, VA


Let's get real about controlling Stafford's feral-cat population
The Free Lance-Star - Fredericksburg, VA, USA


Cats are safe and loving pets when properly cared for
The Free Lance-Star - Fredericksburg, VA, USA


Naysayer should advocate for spaying/neutering pets
The Free Lance-Star - Fredericksburg, VA, USA


Pedro Point Vet Clinic hosts spay and neuter clinic
Pacifica Tribune - Pacifica, CA, USA


Cat euthanized before owner changes mind
The Journal News.com - Westchester, NY, USA


Mama cats willing to give up one of their nine lives for their ...
San Jose Mercury News (subscription) - San Jose, CA, USA

Neighborhood finds positive solution to feral cat problem
Many neighborhoods are discovering it's "kitten season," as stray and feral
cats produce litter after litter. In Fort Worth, one ...
WFAA (subscription) - Dallas, TX, USA


From AVMA News June 1, 2004:

Feline leukemia virus threatens endangered panthers

AVMA welfare positions evolve
The board voted to amend the AVMA's position on "Early-Age (Prepubertal) Spay/Neuter of Dogs and Cats." The Animal Welfare Committee recommended that the position be amended because, as it was written, it recommended gonadectomy, but did not address the removal of associated reproductive structures (i.e., as in a ovariohysterectomy), which is still considered the standard of practice in the United States. The amended position reads:
Early-Age (Prepubertal) Spay/Neuter of Dogs and Cats
The AVMA supports the concept of early (prepubertal, 8 to 16 weeks of age) spay/neuter in dogs and cats in an effort to reduce the number of unwanted animals of these species. Just as for other veterinary medical and surgical procedures, veterinarians should use their best medical judgment in deciding at what age spay/neuter should be performed on individual animals.

Guidelines on participating in spay/neuter clinics updated
An updated version of the Guidelines for Veterinarians Participating in Ovariohysterectomy-Orchiectomy Clinics was approved by the AVMA Executive Board in April.
As part of a regular, five-year review process, the AVMA Council on Veterinary Service recommended that the document be revised to more clearly reflect the standard of care that veterinarians should provide at spay/neuter clinics. Specifically, the updated guidelines state that the care provided at those clinics should conform to current practice standards, including the use of analgesics and the provision of postoperative care.
The revised guidelines are:
Guidelines for Veterinarians Participating in Ovariohysterectomy-Orchiectomy Clinics
Veterinarians who participate in ovariohysterectomy-orchiectomy clinics should abide by the spirit and letter of the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Any animal, regardless of its ownership, deserves the best efforts of the licensed veterinarian, and a quality of care equal to that provided by the private sector of the veterinary profession.
Therefore, the quality of veterinary medicine and surgery should conform to current standards of practice, including the use of analgesics and providing for post-operative care.

Model Rabies Control Ordinance revised
The Executive Board revised the AVMA Model Rabies Control Ordinance to reflect the existence of vaccines for younger animals, and to eliminate inconsistencies with the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control.
The revisions change the rabies vaccination requirements for initial vaccinations to read:
Effective ________ in the (city, town, village, or county) of ________, the owner of every dog, cat, or ferret 3 months of age or older shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies. Vaccination at a younger age should be in accordance with the labels of USDA licensed rabies vaccines. Unvaccinated dogs, cats, or ferrets more than 3 months of age, that are acquired or moved into the (city, town, village, or county) must be vaccinated within 30 days of purchase or arrival, unless there is documented evidence of current vaccination.
Additionally, the board revised the definition of a currently vaccinated animal to refer to the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control. The new definition is as follows:
Currently Vaccinated Against Rabies describes an animal that has received a primary rabies vaccine, or has received a booster vaccine, administered in accordance with the current Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control prepared and updated annually by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians. Rabies vaccination must be performed by or under the direct supervision of a veterinarian who is licensed or legally permitted to practice veterinary medicine in the state.


Subj: Maddie's Fund Newsletter
Date: 5/17/2004
* FEATURE *
FIREPAW Summary Report:
Maddie's Big Fix for Alabama
The Foundation for Interdisciplinary Research and Education Promoting Animal Welfare (FIREPAW) has analyzed data from Maddie's Big Fix, a two-year program to provide low-cost spay/neuter surgery for pets of Alabama's low-income residents. Here are some of their key findings.


[Thanks to Susan G for passing this on!]
Too Much Volunteering May Be Bad for Health
Reuters, UK


House Condemned Due To Cat Problem
WDIV, MI


Cumberland County Warns Residents of 7th Rabies Case
WTVD, NC


[New interesting weblog (blog) from Cat Walker:]
Cat Walk


IndyFeral announces cat shelter program
Indianapolis Star, IN


Florida backs down from plan to reduce colonies of wild cats
South Florida Sun-Sentinel, FL


Responsible Pet Ownership in Singapore
Radio Singapore International - Singapore


As opportunists, big cats are going where the food is
San Francisco Chronicle - San Francisco, CA, USA


Pet Rescue in Houston
houston.about.com, TX


Health officials report 6th rabies case
WCNC (subscription), NC


News of the weird
Salt Lake Tribune, UT


Vegetarian dogs and cats: Kibble doesn't cut it anymore
AZ Central.com, AZ


Residents seek probe into release of cats
Toledo Blade, OH

Impounded and euthanized
Quincy Herald Whig - Quincy, IL, USA


Save A Pet offers discount on vaccinations for seniors, low-income residents
The Desert Sun - Palm Springs, CA, USA


Rabies season means it's time to get pets shots
Oneonta Daily Star - Oneonta, NY, USA


Appeal likely in army kitten-killers case
The Age, Australia


No relief from cats in sight
St. Petersburg Times - St. Petersburg, FL, USA


Paw Prints: A weekly roundup of pet-related opportunities.
[spay/neuter, rabies clinics, foster and adoption]
Press & Sun-Bulletin - Binghamton, NY, USA


News Roundup
... Humane Society will present a "Cats Only Day" on Wednesday, May 26,
before 7:30 am at the HEB at 8231 Marbach Road. Pet owners can choose
to spay or neuter ...
San Antonio Express (subscription) - San Antonio, TX, USA


Shelter tries to socialize feral cats
Salem Statesman Journal, OR


Sickness and death can plague marine mammals in parks
Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel, FL


Stephen Montanarelli Dies at 75; Md. State Prosecutor for 20 ...
Washington Post, DC


Why the polemic against cats? They're here to stay
The Free Lance-Star, VA


Cat Needs Quiet Place To Curb Spraying Habit
Albuquerque Journal (subscription), NM

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: TRAPPING FERAL CATS--FL
A new rescuer needs hands-on trapping assistance with a small feral colony in the
Cocoa Beach, Florida area. She is willing to take on full responsibility for the colony;
she just needs someone to work with her hands-on for a short while to teach her how
to use the traps. She will transport the cats to and from the vet on her own.

Contact FeralPlace@aol.com if you can assist and I'll put you in touch with the
contact. Let's try to help her out before the arrival of kittens!
Thank you!
Shell
www.theanimalspirit.com


New urban happening: chancing upon coyotes
Boston Globe - Boston, MA, USA

Coyotes have come to a town near you
philly.com (subscription), PA


Helen Meservey: The Examined Life
Santa Cruz Sentinel, CA

Strays can roam free in pet haven
Straits Times, Singapore


Letter: Student project aids cats
Press & Sun-Bulletin, NY


Rabid raccoon killed; Norway issues warning
Orangeburg Times Democrat, SC


Pet-friendly company in Taiwan welcomes animals in the office
Channel News Asia - Singapore


Shelter needs homes for cats, kittens
[ELKHORN- Walworth County]
Gazette Extra Sports, WI


Pet Connection: Know what's normal for your cat so problems are caught early
Sacramento Bee, CA


PDDH Issues Rabies Reminder
Voices - Woodbury, CT, USA


At week's end
Hampton Roads Daily Press - Newport, VA, USA


The Daily Herald
[Scroll down to]
Beehive to Provo, for doing the decent thing and paying the $7,000 bill for keeping Marie Covington Vrondos' dog and seven cats at the Utah County Animal Shelter, which boards animals for cities that do not operate their own pounds.
Provo Daily Herald, UT


Homeowners: 'If you can smell it, you can't sell it'
Rocky Mountain News, CO


Pet lovers can help with shelter problems
Myrtle Beach Sun News, SC


Local guide
Greater Billings Animal Coalition low cost vaccination clinic for dogs and cats 9 am to noon, Sage Building at MetraPark.
Billings Gazette, MT


Dogs, cats to line up for shots today
Middletown Press, CT


Dogs, cats not garden's best friends
Cincinnati Post, OH

Cat killers outrage a nation
Townsville Bulletin, Australia


Humane society to mark opening of new shelter facility
Newport News Times, OR


Please crosspost.
The Feral Cat Network needs more members from each state in order to successfully respond to every "Assistance Needed" letter we receive. These letters come from new rescuers who need advice and/or moral support regarding feral cat rescue, adoption, and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR).
We are pleased that the Network has reached a wide audience of new rescuers willing to help ferals in their area; however, the Network has been extremely busy and, unfortunately, it's been very difficult to respond to each email.

If you are an experienced feral cat rescuer, please consider joining the Network and provide email assistance to new rescuers in your area. Your privacy is respected and your contact information will never be made public. Network alerts from your area will be forwarded to you and, if you are able, you can respond as time allows.

To learn more about the Feral Cat Network, please visit us at: http://www.theanimalspirit.com/feralcatnetwork.html

Thank you!
Shell


Feral cats can damage environment
News-Sun - Sebring, FL, USA


Cats and Wildlife: A Lethal Combination by Susan Hagood, a Wildlife Issues specialist for The HSUS in Humane Living, May 13, 2004, Volume 2, Issue 10


September 23-25, 2004, Dallas, Texas
Networking and Educational Forum: Campus Feral Cat Populations
(Southern Regional Conference)
Becky Robinson, Alley Cat Allies; Dr. Margaret Slater, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Brenda Griffin, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine; and other wonderful speakers.
Hosted by: The Summerlee Foundation, Southern Methodist University and KittiCo Cat Rescue


Alley Cat Allies: National Feral Cat Day - October 16, 2004:
NFCD Awards, Scholarships and Contest
This year, you can help recognize or be recognized in ACA's 2004 Friends in the Field contests. Make a nomination for an Award for Excellence, or if you're a veterinary student, apply for one of our Future Veterinary Professional Scholarships. And for all of you who enjoy snapping photo's of feral cats, enter one, (or five!), into our Feral Foto Contest.


ANIMAL Control: No danger at restaurant
Durango Herald - Durango, CO, USA


Around town
[Scroll down to]
Volunteers needed for pet rescue network
Marietta Times, OH


Borough pets now have 'guardians,' not owners
WANAQUE, N.J. -
Information from: The Bergen Record
phillyburbs.com


Pets: Should Cats Roam Free?
Novinite, Bulgaria


Pets Across the Border
spas.about.com


Cat poisoned with pellets
Wakefield Today, UK


Choosing the right cat for you
Alameda Times-Star, CA


Cats escape after burglars steal AC
Clarksville Leaf Chronicle, TN


Mice invade Makakilo
Honolulu Advertiser, HI


Confessions about the Wilder side
Franklin County Citizen, GA


Send in a nomination for Innovation Awards
Chicago Sun Times, IL


Overabundance of cats is really a people problem
The Free Lance-Star, VA


TV program shows big ideas in small spaces
Chicago Sun Times, IL


Cat bin is back in town
Peeblesshire News, UK


Salesville pets need to be licensed soon
Baxter Bulletin, AR


Pets high on list to save in disasters
Appleton Post Crescent, WI


New book offers hope for lost pets
Houston Chronicle - Houston, TX, USA


Pet lovers call for shelter deal review
London Free Press - London, Ontario, Canada


10 Hot Home Businesses to Start
Entrepreneur - USA


City reports repeat cases of animal hoarding
Pawtucket Times - Pawtucket, RI, USA


POLICE LOG
... Animal Control reports the cat is old, not sick, and belongs to the
neighbor. • Piedmonter - Oakland, CA, USA


Smiley Anders for Friday
... Haven's Fix-a-Feline program issues certificates for free spay/neuter procedures to ... The Advocate - Baton Rouge, LA, USA

Feline deadline to be enforced by township
North Brunswick Sentinel, NJ


Officials urge caution around coyotes
Pioneer Press Online, IL


COMMUNITY CALENDAR
... Carols Cats Feral Cat Rescue and Adoption is desperately seeking volunteers.
This group has assisted people and cats throughout Somerset County. ...
Hillsborough Beacon - Hillsborough, NJ, USA


City Council modifies spay-neuter law, hears both support and opposition
The Athens News - Athens, OH, USA


Rabies clinic set to start
Quay County Sun, NM


Scat, cats, thet flora ain't yer'n
Tullahoma News - Tullahoma, TN, USA


Help keep strays to a minimum
The Daily Courier - Connellsville, PA, USA


Animal, parks fees rise
Fredericksburg.com - Fredericksburg, VA, USA


Who better than Kerry to protest?
[Scroll down to]
Cat Control
Hampton Roads Daily Press - Newport, VA, USA


40 tons of kindness donated
Madison Eagle - Madison, NJ, USA


Pawsing for thought
London Free Press - London, Ontario, Canada


Calendar of Events
* SPAY/NEUTER PROGRAM The Marshall County Humane Society's low cost spay/neuter
program will be held at the permanent site, 646 Old Hwy 78 E. Call 252-6196
for ...
Holly Springs South Reporter - Holly Springs, MS, USA


PET OF THE WEEK
... The Humane Society also offers low-cost spay/neuter services
through its ...
Miami Herald (subscription) - Miami, FL, USA


Making a move with pets requires planning
Cleveland Plain Dealer, OH


Abandoned township animals receive help
Sunday Times, South Africa


Freedom, rights
Hermanus Times, South Africa


‘ Big funky house cat ’ turns out to be wild
Santa Cruz Sentinel, CA

FOCAS Offers 100 Free Spay/Neuter Surgeries
The Chattanoogan - Chattanooga, TN, USA


Lubbock Health Department Alerts Local Doctors about Potential Plague Threat
KCBD-TV, TX


Groups arrange foster care for military pets
United States Air Force (press release)


Canine Rabies Rules Continue to Confuse
Lincoln County News, ME


Area rabies alert
Moberly Monitor Index, MO


Put a little love in your life
Hamden Journal, CT


Littlestown repeals ordinance for cat licensing
The Evening Sun - Hanover, PA, USA


Letters
Dog Houses Needed for Citron Cats
Dear Brian,
Citron, the closed Cold Spring property off Route 9 and home to about 10 feral cats, is about to be sold. The prospective owners are kind enough to allow the cats to stay.
Must be subscriber or the full version of this story will be available to all readers one week after publication.
Putnam County News and Recorder


Fugitive feline finds its way home
Calgary Sun, Canada


Iginla's role purr-fect
Calgary Sun, Canada


SOCIAL STUDIES
[Scroll down to]
Cats at the screen
The Globe and Mail, Canada


Animal neglect plea nixed
Gary Post Tribune - Gary, IN, USA


Care about cats? Don't call animal control
Myrtle Beach Sun News - Myrtle Beach, SC, USA


How fun can drawing be? Library lecture will illustrate
[Scroll down to, Excerpted here]
If you love your pet but don't want to see them cloning themselves, you will definitely need to consider getting him or her spayed or neutered. The Humane Society of San Bernardino can offer assistance. The organization offers the Spaymobile, a low-cost spay/neuter van that operates every Wednesday through Saturday. Vaccinations will be given with no appointment but appointments are required to have pets spayed or neutered. The Spaymobile will operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with spay/neuter surgeries from 8 a.m. to noon and vaccinations from 1 to 4 p.m. To make an appointment or for more information, call the Humane Society of San Bernardino at (909) 882-4205.
San Bernardino Sun - San Bernardino, CA, USA


Cats, dogs left alone in Sodus
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, NY

Two abandoned kittens doing OK after surgery
Bend.com - Bend, OR, USA


Here kitty, kitty, kitty!
Fergus Falls Daily Journal - Fergus Falls, MN, USA


Cat lady' pleads guilty, pays $75 fine
Muskegon Chronicle - Muskegon, MI, USA


National Feral Cat Summit announced for October 16, 2004
Neighborhood Cats in NYC


Letters for May 7, 2004
Can the Cat Plan
The Union Democrat, Sonora, CA


19 Pets Seized; Owner's Home Red Tagged
A dispute between neighbors has led authorities to seize 18 cats and one dog, and red tag an Albuquerque home.
KOAT TheNewMexicoChannel.com via Yahoo! News


Alleged 'kitten-napping' nets trespass charge [Pembroke]
Bangor Daily News, Maine


Online from Northeastern Pennsylvania
CHERRY RIDGE- More reports of a very large black cat have come in, a feline much larger than an ordinary house cat but still unidentified.
Wayne Independent, PA


Calendar of events
... The discounted cat spays are sponsored by Beaufort Humane Association's ...
Carolina Morning News - Beaufort, SC, USA


They talk for the animals and have the legal clout to do so
IdahoStatesman.com - ID, USA


Nel's kitty returns today after close call
Tahoe Daily Tribune, CA


How landlords can write an effective pet policy
Summit Daily News, CO


Australian soldiers facing dimissal for torturing kittens
SpaceDaily, AU


Cicadas ready to make for raucous summer
Atlanta Journal Constitution (subscription), GA


"Worst Case" Of Animal Abuse In Wayne County
WOKR-TV, NY


Hospitals urged to prescribe pet visits
The Times (subscription), UK


Health and science notes
[Scroll to]
The Humane Society of Utah is running its May Spay program that makes low-cost spay/neuter procedures available for cats and dogs.
Salt Lake Tribune, UT


Mutilated cat finds happy home
The Citizen's Voice, PA


Summit Hill council halves fee for moving permit
[Scroll down to bottom, excerpted here]
Two ordinances are expected to come up for adoption next month; one regulates landlords, and another regulates cats.
Allentown Morning Call, PA


Don't let your pet eat too many cicadas
Indianapolis Star, IN

Hunting For The Perfect Pair Of Felines
UKPets, UK


A Trailer Becomes a Rolling Abode
New York Times


Paws and Effect: Plant a garden for cats and humans both
VillageSoup, ME


Nine lives and a microchip
ic Coventry, UK


Rabies awareness drive begins
Marietta Times, OH


Weaving to speak for animals
The Age, Australia


Accused cat killer's trial postponed
phillyburbs.com


Volunteers needed
[Scroll down to]
The Purr-fect Cat Shelter
Neponset Valley Daily News, MA


Cute kitties? No way: Cats are a plague; get rid of them!
The Free Lance-Star - Fredericksburg, VA, USA


Feral cats ruffle South Dunnellon's fur
St. Petersburg Times - St. Petersburg, FL, USA


Pigs (and other pets) might fly on rescue service
Salt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT, USA


Real felines join singing, dancing 'Cats'
The Express Times - Easton, PA, USA

[Excerpts from:]
Neighborhood Cats E-newsletter (April '04)
4/30/2004
4. Examining the "R" in TNR: Return vs. Release
TNR is alternately referred to as "trap-neuter-return" or "trap-neuter-release ," with both phrases being fairly common. Neighborhood Cats believes the TNR community should collectively decide to make "return" the correct term. Unlike the word "release," saying the cats are "returned" provides a fuller explanation of what our work is about. The cats are not simply being released, but they're being put back in their own territory with their own colony mates.
While this may seem just like semantics to those active in the field, it is a linguistic distinction of extreme importance when the concept of TNR is first introduced to the public, especially through the media. "Return" focuses attention on the essential aspect of TNR, which is that the cats are maintained where they already are. They're not removed or relocated. There's also a subtle, but different emotional impact when the message is conveyed that the cats will be allowed to live where they were found, as opposed to simply being let go after altering. TNR has community activism as part of its method, so why not use language to our advantage in this respect?
6. TNR Workshop to be held Sat., May 22 in Burlington County, NJ
Neighborhood Cats will be instructing a workshop on basic feral cat colony management techniques (from feeding to trapping to working with neighbors) in Burlington County, New Jersey, on Saturday, May 22nd, 2004, from 2 to 5 p.m. ($15 admission). For exact location and to RSVP, please email Lisa of Nature's Refuge at: founders@naturesrefuge.com
founders@naturesrefuge.org


RSPCA raises feral cat fears
Townsville Bulletin - Northern Australia, Australia


[See a cool] Custom Cat Garden
from the TLC Summer 2004 Newsletter
TLC / for the Love of Cats, The Zimmer Foundation, Michigan


Signings, etc.
Considered the first truly American breed, the Maine coon cat is one of the most popular cat breeds. A handsome kitty with ear tufts and wide paws, the Maine coon's origins are shrouded in mystery. Old folk tales say the breed resulted from matings between raccoons and cats.
Portland Press Herald, Maine


Proposed state law would force landlords to accept dogs, cats on their properties
The Express Times, PA


Too many cats, not enough homes
The Wichita Eagle, KS


Somerset News
[Scroll down to]
Council noted a concern about dog owners …Council also discussed problems with cats, especially many that are in the area of East Sheridan Avenue.
Zanesville Times Recorder, OH


Who says I'm barking mad?
Straits Times, Singapore


For shelters, unhappy tails may lie ahead
Boston Globe - Boston, MA, USA


Vaccinations, the cat's meow
Press-Enterprise (subscription) - Riverside, CA, USA


Feeding neighborhood felines 'cruel'
The Saginaw News - Saginaw, MI, USA


Fencing keeps cats safe and happy outside
Clarksville Leaf Chronicle - Clarksville, TN, USA

Lowcountry calendar
Today:
[Excerpted]
For a limited time, the Carolina Companion Animal Organization, off S.C. 170 in Bluffton, is offering cat spays for $25 per cat.
The discounted cat spays are sponsored by Beaufort Humane Association's Rescue, Spay/Neuter & Relocation Division, and Spay Inc. with a grant given to spay by PetSmart charities.
Proof of current rabies and distemper vaccinations are required. Expired vaccinations must be updated at the time of spay appointment and are available reasonably priced.
For appointments in Bluffton, call 368-1158.
Carolina Morning News, SC


Why "Free To Good Home" Ads Are A Bad Idea!
http://www.theanimalspirit.com/free.html
AnimalAdvocacy e-forum (public)


The HSUS Offers Reward in Pennsylvania Cat Mutilation Case


Labor to ban cat and dog fur sales
The Age, Australia


Rabies Vaccination Clinics To Start Here On Monday
Greeneville Sun, TN


Life from a mature Feline's point of view
The Green Bay News-Chronicle, WI


Patience, love make difference
The Valdosta Daily Times, GA


Celebrate and support International Migratory Bird Day 2004 today, May 8.

US Fish and Wildlife Service's webpage for International Migratory Bird Day 2004

Listing of Events


New on Petsavers.org website (Spay/USA is a program of the Pet Savers Foundation):
Hot Topics. Articles are included under 17 topics relating to homeless companion animal management. See articles in the Feral Cats and Spay/Neuter sections:


Also download the latest issue of Paws to Think Magazine, a publication of the Pet Savers Foundation, for spring 2004. See "Cat Colonies - Are They Stable?", page 23.


Cargo Cat Gets a Nice Ride to a New Home
The Ledger, FL


Many come forward to help abandoned cats
Willimantic Chronicle, CT


Animal friends visit Somerville school to teach pet care
Bridgewater Courier News, NJ


Animal shelter finds a home
Times Picayune, LA


Winning poster a reminder to control pet population
Louisville Courier Journal, KY


Punk-pink poodle was a stowaway
... About this time, we see an increase in stray cats brought in from out
by the college," Blake said. "The school year ends, and they get left
behind.". ...
St. Petersburg Times - St. Petersburg, FL, USA


Trouble with trap tripping
Grand Island Independent - Grand Island, NE, USA


Police Blotter
[Scroll down to, Excerpted here]
ATHERTON - Suspicious Person About 9 am Thursday, a resident of Lane Place reported that a woman has been leaving food for stray cats nearby, which is attracting raccoons and opossums.
San Jose Mercury News (subscription) - San Jose, CA, USA


Legislature 2004: Lawmakers expect cautious short session
... The General Assembly may consider proposals to raise taxes on pet food
to generate money for sterilization programs and animal shelters. ...
Wilmington Morning Star - Wilmington, NC, USA


Pet Sales Bill
KFSN - Fresno, CA, USA


What we can do to protect wildlife
Miami Herald (subscription) - Miami, FL, USA


Grants will help build Cache animal shelter
Salt Lake Tribune, UT


Most Of Rescued Cats Very Sick
KXAN-TV, TX


Cats naps OK: Some local businesses allow pets to roam premises
Mattoon Journal, IL


Whisker Tales: Cat's cancer drug seems to work miracles
Marlborough Enterprise, MA


EVICTION: It's you or your pets
Peterborough Evening Telegraph, UK

Letters from Camp Rehoboth - May 7, 2004 - CAMP Profile
Camp Rehoboth.com, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware


Borough suspends cat licensing
Windsor-Hights Herald, NJ


Around The Region
[Scroll down to, Excerpted here]
Ceres
BUFFET DINNER: Alley Cat Guardians has scheduled a fund-raising buffet dinner at 6 p.m. Saturday at First United Ceres Methodist Church, Sixth and Lawrence streets. Alley Cat Guardians, a nonprofit organization, raises money for its mission of trapping, spaying and neutering feral cats, and taking care of their veterinary needs. Tickets to the dinner are $10. For more information, call 531-1152.
Modesto Bee - Modesto, CA, USA


[ PET OHANA ]
Honolulu Star-Bulletin - Honolulu, HI, USA


Falls Church News & Notes
[Scroll down to, Excerpted here]
And a note of warning for pedestrians spotting a feisty feline prowling the FC streets, the Falls Church Animal Control Officer is seeking information concerning a black and white domestic shorthaired cat lurking in the Shadow Walk, W. Columbia St. and W. Jefferson St. area. The cat recently was involved in an incident in which a resident on Shadow walk suffered bite and scratch wounds and the Officer needs to capture and quarantine feline in order to determine whether or not the victim will require rabies inoculations. Anyone with information can contact the Officer at 703-248-5172 or the FC Police Department at 703-241-5053.
Falls Church News Press, VA


Unwanted pet problem needs help from all communities
South Idaho Press


Lawmakers reach agreement on animal cruelty bill
Providence Journal (subscription), RI


Beach woman fined $6000 for cats and dogs
Virginian Pilot, VA


Five Live: Get Out
[Scroll down to 4. Furball]
Oregonian, OR


Saving Stray Cat on 55 - - Beautiful
Los Angeles Times (subscription) - Los Angeles, CA, USA


City kitty unstuck
Attleboro Sun Chronicle, MA


Adopt pets; sterilize them
Oregonian, OR


Health Department Will Hold Rabies Clinic in Pulaski May 12
[Excerpt]
All dogs, cats and pet ferrets are required by state law to have current rabies shots. Animals may receive their first rabies vaccine at age three months. ...
Oswego Daily News, NY


Abandoned Hampton cats seek new homes
Willimantic Chronicle, CT

Witness says Lynn Turner asked about antifreeze effects
Atlanta Journal Constitution (subscription) - Atlanta, GA, USA


Council will monitor cat colony before decision
Animal activists have until July before council decides cats’ future
North Brunswick Sentinel - North Brunswick, NJ, USA


Blog: SVFF Happenings
Random thoughts from the front lines of humane feral cat management
Silicon Valley Feral Friends


[ FC Blog Note: Thanks to Feral Avenger for posting entries for "feral cat colony" and "Trap-Neuter-Return" in the Wikipedia!!!
What's a wiki?!!! ]


Last stand for Hawaiian birds
Environmental News Network - Berkeley, CA, USA


Animal Shelter overrun with kittens
Duluth News Tribune - Duluth, MN, USA


Someone is trying to kill stray cats, protectors say
San Mateo County Times - San Mateo, CA, USA


[From FIREPAW in NY. "Animals Already Get It. We Teach People."]
animal issues: May 6, 2004
RESOURCE: MOBILE SPAY-NEUTER--HUDSON VALLEY, NY
`````````````````
Mid Hudson Animal Aid will host the TARA Mobile Spay/Neuter Van at
their cat sanctuary in Beacon on Saturday, June 12, 2004.
$39 fee for male or female cats/kitten includes spay/neuter,
rabies shots, claw clipping and ear cleaning. By appoinment only, please.
Cats and kittens over four pounds or four months of age. Feral
cats are welcomed.
Appointments are limited, so please call early (845) 831-4321 or
send an email to management@midhudsonanimalaid.org
MHAA Essie Dobrusin Cat Sanctuary
54 Simmons Lane, Beacon, NY 12508
(845) 831-4321
www.midhudsonanimalaid.org
Mira S. Ghoshal


City May Shut Down Mobile Home Park For Health, Safety Violations
WAVE, KY


Look into socio-economic woes of Indians, MIC told
The Star, Malaysia


Spay/neuter program is kind to animals
Times Picayune, LA


City clerk will miss the top cat at City Hall
Long Beach Press-Telegram, CA


Akron law to trap, kill cats is OK, judge rules
Cleveland Plain Dealer, OH

SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC
The Guthrian - Guthrie Center, IA, USA


Pawprints van sets Pittsburg operations
Pittsburg Morning Sun, KS


Helping unwanted dogs and cats is community effort
Danville Advocate, KY


Animal lovers seek answers to problem of feral cats
Tewksbury Advocate - Concord, MA, USA


Be Kind to Animals Week: May 2 - 8, 2004


Be kind, spend time with your pet
This is "Be Kind to Animals Week." It includes both wild and domestic animals.
The Payson Roundup


Cats rescued from apartment fire put shelter over capacity
New Jersey Journal, NJ


Akron cat law lands on its feet
Akron Beacon Journal - Akron, OH, USA


Debate was very contentious, but ordinance's effect has been limited
Dekalb Daily Chronicle - Dekalb, IL, USA


Animal farm is a safe haven for forsaken creatures
Houston Chronicle - Houston, TX, USA


Cats put committee out of the bag
Times of India - India


Love The Cat, Commit The Crime
storyhunters.com


Oakland offers chance to foster kittens, by Ali Fard
Tri-Valley Herald, CA


News in brief from Philadelphia
[Scroll down to]
PHILADELPHIA (AP) _ Animal rights activists are protesting the city's use of rat poison in several outdoor squares, saying the cure has killed off most of the squirrel population.
NEPA News, PA


CELEBRITIES PROTEST IAMS ’ DEADLY EXPERIMENTS ON DOGS AND CATS
PETA (public service)


News in brief from central Pennsylvania
[Scroll down to]
... The York County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals unveiled plans Tuesday for a shelter on five acres that could accommodate 96 dogs and 130 cats ...
Centre Daily Times, PA

Fat Cats Could Mean Fat Vet Bills
NBC 5


Hedrick woman seeks council action on cat killings
Ottumwa Courier, Iowa


Fighting cats pose problems for their owners
Mineral Wells Index


Local shelters are bursting with unwanted cats
KMSB, AZ


Council Passes On Paseo Decision; Curbs Panhandling, Pet Sales
The New Mexico Channel.com, NM


County may expand animal control staff
Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil, IA


BIRDS IN CAGES!
The Campaign for Safer People, Wildlife and Birds
PLAIN TALK ABOUT BIRDS
The Feline Resistance!


Biologist alleges panther data bad
[FC Blog Note: Story picked up around nation]
Tallahassee Democrat, FL


Jungle cameras "trap" native species
Emediawire (press release)


Kittanning Council addresses stray cat problem
Leader Times, PA


A stinky situation
KXMA, ND


Fido a legal tenant under proposed law
The Gloucester County Times, NJ


New water source could keep animals dry
New Britain Herald, CT


Briefly in Enfield
... The Tompkins County Department of Health will hold a free rabies vaccination clinic for cats, dogs and ferrets from 7-9 pm Wednesday, May 12 at the Enfield ...
Ithaca Journal, NY


Kershaw County deal covers animal shelter
The State, SC


Freeport tightens leash on animals
Freeport Journal Standard, IL


Trying to Find a Way to Save the Buffalo Animal Shelter
WGRZ-TV, NY


COMMUNITY NEWS 5/4/04
[Scroll down to]
A low-cost spay and neuter clinic will be held Wednesday
at the Pitt County ...
Greenville Daily Reflector - Greenville, NC, USA



Readers' Views
Battle Creek Enquirer - Battle Creek, MI, USA


No monkey business when it comes to animal bylaws
StarPhoenix - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada


MONTEREY COUNTY
[Scroll down to]
Low-income cat owners who cannot afford to spay or neuter their pets can

Monterey County Herald - Monterey, CA, USA


WR council votes to lift bunny ban
Macon Telegraph - Macon, GA, USA


Stray cat causes chaos on US 395
Reno Gazette Journal, NV


Boyup Brook fox drive a hit
Donnybrook Bridgetown Mail - Bridgetown, Western Australia, Australia


Calendar of events
[Scroll down to]
Animal Organization, off SC 170 in Bluffton, is offering cat spays for $25 ...
Carolina Morning News - Beaufort, SC, USA

[Revisiting April 14 and February 25 news!:]
Panora Trap-Neuter-Return Program Full
Good start for TNR program
Guthrie Center Times, Iowa
Click on See all reader opinions at bottom

Municipalities look for direction in animal control
[Scroll down to]
Feral Cat Control
Buffalo Reflex MO, Ozarks Newstand
Click on See all reader opinions at bottom


Fur is flying in Beggs cat fracas
Okmulgee Daily Times, OK


[Thanks to Susan Greene for contributing this!]
Subject: Lecture - "Feral Cats and Wildlife" 5/3/2004,
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Lecture
Hall II.

"Feral Cats and Wildlife: What do we know and what
don't we know?" Dr. Tantillo, an environmental ethicist,
will present the data that currently exists regarding the
impact of feral cats on wildlife. It will definitely be an
entertaining, insightful lecture and a great follow up
to last week's Feline Club lecture on trap-neuter-release
programs. Thai food provided! Sponsored by the VSPCA
on Monday, May 3rd. Dinner at 5:30pm and the lecture
will start at 6:00pm in LH II.


All stray dogs (and cats) go to heaven
Ithaca Journal, NY


Cat Feces could cause birth defects in children
Webindia123.com, India


Animal-To-Human Disease Transfer Discussed
Newsday, NY


OPINION: Bring on the leashes for Hampton cats
Hampton Roads Daily Press, VA


Legislation is a joke
Salt Lake Tribune, UT


Pets calendar, May 3
Rocky Mountain News, CO
Barnwater Cats Rescue Organization will host a yard-sale fund-raiser, 8 am to 3 pm Saturday at 3131 E. Evans Ave.

Feral Cat Caretakers Workshop - May 16 in Midwest (Ohio, U.S.)
If you are caring for feral cats, please join us for a free, fun,
informative workshop. The workshop will feature information sessions
on trap/neuter/return, feral colony management, spay/neuter and a
special, hands-on feral cat shelter-building workshop! Door prizes
and lots of free literature, too!
Date: Sunday, May 16, 2004
Place: Delaware, Ohio
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Preregistration is required!
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION - MAY 2
Note: This workshop will be repeated twice in 2004.
WORKSHOP SPONSOR: CAT ASSISTANCE TEAM OF CENTRAL OHIO
For more information, see AnimalAdvocacy

Cats Take Over Conf!
Best Friends Home Page
and
Best Friends No More Homeless Pets Conference


Care home's staff, residents saddened by loss of cats
Charleston Daily Mail


163 ailing cats found in house with drugs
NewsOK.com (subscription), OK


Pet shop permits may be put on hold
Albuquerque Tribune, NM


Woman to pay $1189 to humane society for caring for her 21 cats
Duluth News Tribune, MN


Two face charges in connection with euthanasia of cats
Newsday, NY


Unhappiness all around over budget plan
Buffalo News, NY


Trailer park's tenants stirred to act
Troy Record, NY


Too many kittens
Waynesboro Record Herald, PA

Charges filed in cat killings
Trenton Times, NJ