Guess what I found

In many communities, cats and kittens are thrown out (or born outside to thrown away mom cats). I know out of the roughly 375 cats/kittens I trapped and got off the streets last year, almost all were throw aways. Not one was claimed even though I too have placed 'found' ads in the paper, called all area vets, and placed a found ad at vets offices. Not one was ever claimed sad to say, so after they were fostered for at least a week, they were then altered etc. and adopted to new homes. (Some were feral adults and TNR, but most were abandoned pets). :( I think Melissa did the right thing by this kitten in at least assuring she wasn't smashed on the street, or eaten by a preditor etc. If someone were to place an ad describing the kitten, I'm sure she'd look into it, but it's far and few in between that even care...at least around my city.:rolleyes: I don't think I could in good conscience, keep driving if I saw a kitten wandering around in the middle of the night. ;)

Jenny here in my city the Shelters are all full and will not take any more cats in, in hindsight that would be the best thing to do,but it just is not possible here.

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Originally posted by carole
This is one good reason why we should keep our cats indoors, like you Jenny I have indoor/outdoor, but I have changed MO and if it were possible it is something I would change.

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Carole,

You have mentioned wanting to keep your cats in before. If you really want to do it, it is easy to do. Just keep them inside and ignore their cries. According to other people posts they stop being upset after a month or two and they will accept they are inside forever.

I don't honestly believe you think this is right choice for your cats, else you would have done it by now.

But if you want to try, here are some articles to follow :-

http://www.sdnhm.org/exhibits/cats/indoors.html
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/ca...de_cat_in.html

Myself, I think a cats lifestyle, depends on the local enviroment, the cats personality and the owners preference.
http://www.piftails.com/insideoutside.html

As my local enviroment is quiet my cats have outside access (with the exception of Annie) If I moved to live on a busy road I would be sadly forced to keep my cats in, however I would never willing move to a busy area.

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Originally posted by QueenScoopalot
[B I think Melissa did the right thing by this kitten in at least assuring she wasn't smashed on the street, or eaten by a preditor etc. If someone were to place an ad describing the kitten, I'm sure she'd look into it, but it's far and few in between that even care...at least around my city.:rolleyes: I don't think I could in good conscience, keep driving if I saw a kitten wandering around in the middle of the night. ;) [/B]

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She is an angel to pick up the kitten that is a wonderful thing to do. I just think that waiting 7 days before rehoming like you have to legally in England would be the responsible thing to do.

Just because many people are uncaring doesn't mean her owners are (assuming they exist)

All I ask is that she continues to look out for the owners, just in case.

Jenny I have addressed your post in a PM, as I don't want to change this thread into an indoor/outdoor debate, I hopefully have explained myself and my thoughts, thank you for the articles I will go now and look them up.:)

P.S for everyone I will add, I would not be content with them being indoor in my present circumstances, it is not possible, I would only be happy if they had free reign of my section, with the special cat fencing available, but that is way beyond my means, but one can only hope.

Just something to think about in terms of rescuing. Do any laws in our states require that a stray be held for a certain period of time? Our Animal Control facility uses a 5 day hold but the City Council wrote the ordinance. That is for the AC only. What about an individual such as ourselves? If a law does exist, what if we broke it? Would the owner of the found pet be able to sue us in civil court? Does the leash law that most counties have trump that? I think any judge in his right mind would believe I did the right thing by getting the animal to safety, but would letting the pet roam be considered neglect?

I am by no means discouraging the rescuing of cats and dogs. I am just throwing some food for thought out there. People are lawsuit happy nowadays. It is always good to know if we would have paws to stand on if the situation ever came up.

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Originally posted by val
If a law does exist, what if we broke it? Would the owner of the found pet be able to sue us in civil court?

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Yes, In England, I have read several legal cases that owners have brought against people stealing/picking up their cats. as I mentioned we have a seven day minimum wait before rehoming , the only exception is medical need (i.e. If they are in pain and need to be PTS)

In one case a couple sucessfully got additional money as the shelter who picked up their cat and altered her without permission. (Though I think that is stupid to have a free roaming entire cat)

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Originally posted by val
Does the leash law that most counties have trump that? I think any judge in his right mind would believe I did the right thing by getting the animal to safety, but would letting the pet roam be considered neglect?

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In England roaming cats are consider healthy and happy not neglected, in fact our cats have the legal right to roam unlike dogs which have a national leash law. (Dangerous Dogs Act)

I can not see any judge objecting to people picking up cats they are concerned about. That is a fine thing to do to help the cat in question, but if little or no effort is made to find the owners before rehoming said cat...legal action may follow.