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http://www.dailyrecord.com:80/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200904120600/OPINION02/\

904120355

 

April 12, 2009

 

 

Fallacy behind trap and neuter

 

 

To the Editor:

 

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wholeheartedly agrees that requiring

people to spay and neuter their dogs and cats is the only way to end the

suffering caused by animal homelessness (Letters, " The best option:

Trap/neuter/return, " April 10). However, while trap, neuter, return programs may

prevent future generations of cats from suffering the hardships of life on the

streets, they fail to address the misery experienced by cats trying to eke out

an existence behind dumpsters, in alleyways and in fields in most communities.

 

Homeless cats suffer terribly from contagious diseases like rhinotrachitis,

feline AIDS and rabies. Compassionate people also can't ignore the fact that

sterilizing cats doesn't change their instinct to hunt, no matter how well-fed

they are. Cats allowed outdoors terrorize, maim and kill countless native birds

and other small wild animals who struggle to survive many existing challenges.

 

While the idea may sound appealing, in reality TNR programs sanction the

abandonment of cats in parking lots, warehouse districts, fields and barns

(where they are pushed as cheap rodent control). No cat, whether social or not,

should be abandoned and forced to endure the harsh conditions of homelessness.

The " humane community " sends to the public a clear message when it endorses TNR

programs -- that cats can survive and thrive living outdoors behind dumpsters

and in barns. It's not only the wrong message,. it's absolutely untrue.

 

TERESA CHAGRIN

 

PETA

 

Norfolk, Va.