In this blog I will discuss regulatory responsibility, referring mainly to animal shelters and the law. In the past and unfortunately even today, many municipal shelters are managed not for the good of the animals, but for the good of the bottom line, in a fashion more similar to a sanitation department where the animals are treated like garbage, to be disposed of quickly and as cheaply as possible. Adoptions are given low priority as are people searching for lost pets. Enforcement or even investigation of animal cruelty infractions are given little attention.

Many of the attitudes displayed are a direct reflection of the shelter leadership. This has to change and fortunately this is where the voice of public opinion can make a difference. If the people of these communities stand up and demand change, be persistent as well as pervasive, things do change.

All across this country, animal shelters are taking the steps necessary to become more humane and helpful for the animals. Sadly, many are not. These are often still being run according to outdated notions about animal care, or stubborn individuals who don't see a reason for change. Judges may not think animal cruelty cases merit harsh punishments, city managers may not see beyond budgets, animal control officers may not even like the animals they are meant to care for and protect.

It is cases such as these that the public must address, in person, at meetings, with petitions, letter campaigns and the greatest tool available today, social media. Campaigns such as these have in the past resulted in changes to animal cruelty laws with stiffer penalties. The problem left is getting the authorities to take the issue seriously, for parents not to turn a blind eye, living in denial, for police officers to pursue said investigations, rather than believing them to be a waste of time, getting prosecutors to take these cases on. In some states there are specific units of lawyers devoted to animal cruelty crimes.

Some may ask with all the human suffering, why bother to devote resources for just an animal? Countless studies have shown that often violent criminals started by abusing animals. It is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

Currently it may be difficult to get a conviction and appropriate sentence, even if getting as far as court, but that should not be an excuse not to try. There will be no monetary recovery, in fact to many, the cost will outweigh the outcome, but it is imperative to get the message out that society is changing and certain behaviors, no matter if they were considered okay in the past, will no longer be tolerated in a compassionate, caring society. Even if just by publicizing such incidents, we can make a difference and it will be well worth it. There are countless crimes that are no longer hushed up, animal abuse needs that as well. These episodes should not be glossed over, made to seem less brutal just to shut people up. We need this out in the open, we need people to be outraged, to demand change. Only then can public opinion make changes for the good of us all.

The purpose of this blog is to educate the public about cats, to perhaps instill a sense of responsibility. The problem of homeless pets is not just “someone else’s problem”, we are all responsible on several levels. It may be personal, much of which starts at home where children grow to mirror parents. It may be on a communal level, with public opinion, either influencing or being influenced by leadership. It may be solely on a regulatory level, put in place by governing bodies.

Regardless of excuses, it comes down to the question of: “Why are there so many homeless animals?” The answer comes down to one factor: we humans.

What can the individual do? First of all, be a part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Number one on the list is to raise children that are respectful and kind to animals of all kinds. When children witness a parent responding cruelly to an animal, even if considered a “pest”, they will grow up to emulate the behavior. Instilling a sense of compassion and fostering empathy will aid every individual on this journey called life.

Number two is to stop the intentional, unintentional and indiscriminate breeding of cats. This will prevent more unwanted litters adding to the already unacceptably large numbers of homeless cats.

Next is to stop abandoning them once they are here. Stop assuming “someone else” will take care of them. Stop supporting those who sell cats, whether in pet stores or online, adopt instead. Don’t leave them behind when moving. Take full responsibility for the life of the cat, give it a loving and secure home, providing not only the basic necessities of life, but a loving, nurturing environment as well.

On the community level, we can all make sure our voices are heard by our votes in elections, attending city and county council meetings, participating in public opinion forums in the newspapers and online. Public opinion can be a powerful force for change.

We can also look around our own neighborhoods to see if there is someone in need. Unfortunately, this is where there is often conflict between cat lovers and haters. Approaching the problem with empathy instead of anger or apathy is the way. Generally if there is someone willing to bridge the gap, bring both parties to discuss the problem calmly, solutions can be reached.

If someone is unable to provide needed care for the animals, there are resources available to assist with care, whether with feeding, spay and neuter, veterinary care or finding a new situation. There are always options and unfortunately, people don't always know where to turn for help. This is where the education comes into play. The more people know and are made aware of the options available, the better. Just another of our goals.

The subject of cats is certainly divisive. Few people can say they are strictly neutral when it comes to cats. They either love them or hate them. Historically, cats have either been worshiped or reviled. The fact that they do not promote ambivalence is well established. The reason for this is not.

Perhaps it is because they tend to pick up on and reflect back to us, our own emotional states, which makes some people extremely uncomfortable. Domestic dogs are generally people pleasers, they tend to reflect back what they think we want to see. Cats are more like mirrors. Cat people, men and women, don’t seem to mind. They accept cats for what they are, harbor no expectations or demands. They just appreciate what cats do give.

Cats have followed humans along the evolutionary trail much like dogs, although with differing roles. Dogs became domesticated for what they could do for man, initially working as guardians, hunters, weapons, for sport or entertainment, and finally as companions. The role of cats was one less of domestication but more of opportunity and symbiosis. Cats became guardians of the grain stores due to natural hunting instincts and the ready source of prey. Humans benefitted by the reduction of rodents befouling their food stores, cats benefitted by the available food source. It was a mutually beneficial relationship, the very definition of symbiosis.

Although cats are generally considered companions today, many still perform this useful duty. Usually the mere presence of a cat, whether hunting or not, is enough to keep mice away.

While many people accuse cats of causing major decline in bird populations, there are so many more pervasive reasons for decreasing bird numbers. Other predators, such as raccoons, skunks, even other opportunistic birds, are known to raid nests and eat eggs. There are birds of prey which actively hunt other birds. But by far, the most lethal creature to birds on this planet is man, whether through the loss of green space, decline of farmlands, intentional poisoning of “non-native species” or those birds considered “pests”, automobiles, high rise buildings, reflective windows, pesticides, deforestation and elimination of habitats due to increased urbanization. These are by far greater contributors to bird deaths than cats.

It seems in general, that the cat accusers are less bird lovers and more cat haters.

Overall it cannot be denied that we humans have moved across the land like parasites, wiping out some species entirely, while creating massive natural imbalances in plant and animal populations. As a consequence of our insatiable appetite for consumption, the concepts of symbiosis and balance have long been discarded.

Unfortunately, one of the results of our disregard is what this blog is all about, the surplus of cats, as well as many other sadly considered “disposable” pets, leading to the point of mass killings occurring daily across this country merely because there is nowhere for them to go.

Many of these cats end up in shelters, brought in by animal control officers, people who trap them or are dropped off by owners who suddenly can’t or won’t keep them, can’t or won’t have them spayed or neutered, thereby preventing roaming, fighting, mating and having unwanted litters of more kittens.

Sadly, the life of a shelter cat is short and stressful. If they don’t die of disease, starvation or lack of proper handling, they will be killed when their time is up to make room for more. Many animal control staffers are not proficient in the handling of cats. Many just don’t like cats. Often these cats are labeled unadoptable, vicious or feral based on reactions that are totally normal for a stressed and frightened cat. They are not just like small dogs, they don’t act or react like dogs and unfortunately for them, they are considered disposable, euthanized all too easily when their time is up, no more room, or for convenience, (often just before a long holiday weekend).

The truth is, ALL CATS ARE ADOPTABLE. They may not all fit into the cozy niche of beloved house cat, (even though I wish they all could). But due to their remarkable adaptability and survival instincts, there are always options.

 

They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. I've found that to be true, not only in my life, but all around me. So why do we keep doing the same things? Are we that afraid of change? It's much easier to coast in one's comfort zone, presuming one can ever really find it. So is it that we just get lazy? It is quite possible to get fatigued and tired, but after a time of rest one can generally recapture the drive and energy to get moving again. Is it that learning new things, new approaches can be hard to do? We have been learning new things since the day we were born, we were meant to learn. New things may take some effort to learn initially, but after some repetition, they become easier.

So what's stopping us from making real progress in improving the treatment of animals in our society? Fear? Laziness? Too hard? How about inconvenient? Time consuming? Can't be bothered? These are all excuses used by people to justify inaction and apathy. Another excuse, "it's always been done that way" is the very definition of insanity I started this post with.

We are on the verge of change for animals as well as society in general. More people are taking up the cause of helping homeless animals, preventing homelessness to begin with, encouraging compassionate treatment and humane standards for these animals. I am referring to animal rescue groups and individuals working with shelters to promote adoption rather than purchase, to promote spay and neuter rather than breeding, to promote education as a way to change society.

So why are so many shelters still clinging to "the way things have always been done"? Why are so many municipalities clinging to outmoded methods of operation even though the majority of citizens want change? Why is the adoption of humane standards of care for shelter animals such a low priority? These standards are not necessarily costly, or even excessively time consuming. Many, in fact will in the long run save money and time, not to mention improving the lives of the animals involved. True, it does require a learning commitment, perhaps some repetition, being open to new ideas and possibilities.

Perhaps those in charge of these shelters fear change, can't be bothered or just don't care. Many have no reason to change, as long as they are not impacted negatively, as long as they don't have to take the phone calls, as long as volunteers continue to take the surplus animals, thereby reducing euthanasia numbers. All the while those in charge aren't bothered by the public, don't encourage education or spay and neuter programs, don't advocate TNR, continue to release unaltered adopted animals, don't bother with prompt and proper veterinary care for injured or sick animals. All these attitudes trickle down and soon moral is low, laziness sets in and no one wants to be bothered.

Don't get me wrong, I know working in such an environment is incredibly hard, but the standards I mentioned are not only for the good of the animals, but for the good of those charged with caring for them. No one seeks change until forced to, this applies to external situations as well as our personal lives. It's not until things become uncomfortable that we move away, try to ignore or seek to change things.

So my message to all those working for change, don't give up, don't ignore or enable. Rest if you need to, but get right back in, keep pushing, make those in charge uncomfortable enough to seek change. I realize we may not be able to change the world, but we can sure change our part of it. 

Welcome to the official Orchard Animal Outreach blog, and my first foray into the world of  blogging. I thought long and hard about what to call it. Possibilities included: The Vet's Lament, Weekly Rant, Whine and Hard Cheese Corner, but in the end, I changed my mind. Don't get me wrong, there will be plenty of lamenting, ranting and whining, but that won't be all.

I hope it will be a forum to get people thinking, to introduce new ideas, encourage new action. Just like our Facebook page, there will be some things that are uncomfortable to look at or think about, but just not looking doesn't make them go away. Sometimes it takes being nudged beyond our comfort zones to get us moving.

But there will also be triumphs among the tragedies, hopefully enough to keep us all going, because that's what we run on, hope.

Future topics will include but not be limited to:

Compassion fatigue, a real thing.

Vet's laments.

Animal shelters, who are they really sheltering?

No Kill initiatives, fact vs fiction.

Just to name a few. So we hope you become regular readers, we hope to inspire, stir things up, maybe even get some of you mad. Remember we are the same folks that brought you "No BS Spay and Neuter" and we still take a no nonsense approach when it comes to animals.