Please help! Must find homes immediately for four cats! UPDATE

[Prairie Purrs]

Well, another zoning officer showed up at my door yesterday and wanted to do an inspection. She appeared to agree to the same two-week period that Animal Control gave me. But then she called my landlord and told him that the city has me "profiled" as a literal crazy cat lady--a middle-aged, psychologically disturbed female with dozens of cats.

She also told him--and here's the terrifying part--that when they finally get into my house, they plan to count the cats by putting them in cages--and then they'll take them away! Apparently it doesn't matter if I only have five. They're actively planning to remove all of my cats.

I'll be taking four to Dr. Goodnow this weekend. But now, it seems, I need to find places for the remaining five. I can't risk having them in the house as long as the city is running beserk.

I'm also going to work on filing a federal discrimination action, but right now I'm frantic with worry. So I guess I'm back to begging for more foster homes, both here (the only place I've found any help--thank you!) and among my other friends.

[jenluckenbach]

Totally TOTALLY unbelievable!!!

PA is still a long way from Illinois, but maybe we can still coordinate a transport from there.

[Prairie Purrs]

Totally TOTALLY unbelievable!!!

PA is still a long way from Illinois, but maybe we can still coordinate a transport from there.

Bless you, Jen! I'll see whether I can work something out.

I'm also going to look into boarding two or three for a month, but I know I can't afford to board them all.

[Catty1]

OMG - please get a lawyer and at least stay the action!

Sheesh...do they want a note from your doctor as well???

How is your landlord with you? Would he testify on your behalf?

HUGS!!!!

[jennielynn1970]

Totally TOTALLY unbelievable!!!

PA is still a long way from Illinois, but maybe we can still coordinate a transport from there.

I second that one. I'm here close to Jen if you need me and some space for kitties!

[Prairie Purrs]

I second that one. I'm here close to Jen if you need me and some space for kitties!

Thank you both!

I've made arrangements for three so far (in addition to the four I'll be taking to Dr. Goodnow)--just two more!

[mrspunkysmom]

Would your vet keep them for a few days until you could get the cats out of town?

I did find the 5 cat max in the zoning codes.

Do you think someone made a complaint in your neighborhood?

God speed.

[Prairie Purrs]

Do you think someone made a complaint in your neighborhood?

A neighbor complained about the feral cats, and they zeroed in on me because I was providing food and shelter for the ferals--while working with a local organization to schedule TNR. But the neighbor doesn't want TNR--she wants the ferals eliminated. And she'll probably get her wish.

So once I was on the city's radar, they decided that I fit the deranged cat horder profile. And here we are.

[Catty1]

I would guess the local TNR org is aware of all the problems.

Can they not go to the city and say they are working with the cats - even to prevent the neighbour from getting her way?

SOME PEOPLE - I JUST DON'T GET IT!

TNR has been REALLY successful some places. I wish the city had some information about that!

[Prairie Purrs]

I would guess the local TNR org is aware of all the problems.

Can they not go to the city and say they are working with the cats - even to prevent the neighbour from getting her way?

SOME PEOPLE - I JUST DON'T GET IT!

TNR has been REALLY successful some places. I wish the city had some information about that!

The TNR people tried talking to the city officials, but with no success at all.

Here's the Catch 22: in order to get a mobile TNR unit to come out to trap and neuter a feral colony, the organization that provides the TNR service requires that the colony contain at least 10 cats and have a caretaker providing food and water. However, it's illegal for anybody in Denver to act as a caretaker for 10 feral cats. I suppose if two neighbors (who had no cats of their own) both provided food, it might be possible, but the city would probably claim that each neighbor was "harboring" all 10 cats. In other words, the city considers caretaking of feral colonies to be a criminal act.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Well, another zoning officer showed up ... to do an inspection.

Then she called my landlord and told him that the city has me "profiled" as a literal crazy cat lady --
a middle-aged, psychologically disturbed female with dozens of cats.

She also told him ... they plan to count the cats by putting them in cages -
and then they'll take them away!

I think you need to talk to an ATTORNEY - NOW!
I find it hard to believe that a couple of "Inspectors" can label you a "disturbed female"
and order your cats to be removed - without any legal hearings.

/s/ Phred

[Prairie Purrs]

I think you need to talk to an ATTORNEY - NOW!
I find it hard to believe that a couple of "Inspectors" can label you a "disturbed female"
and order your cats to be removed - without any legal hearings.

/s/ Phred

Step one is to make sure the cats are safe. That's in the works right now.

Step two is to get some guidance on procedural issues and get a complaint and motion for an injunction drafted. I've never been a litigator, but I've had enough of a law school education to be able to smell a cause of action.

[rg_girlca]

Why the same "H" are they being so mean about this. And what RIGHT do they have to deem you a "Psychologically disturbed female."

I don't understand this at all, at all. If the law says that you ARE allowed to have 5 animals and you are going to be placing the other 4, then why are they threatening to take away ALL of them.

This situation is going from terrible to worse.

Big time Prayers on the way that this can all be resolved very shortly.

[catfamily]

Is there room in your car even to make 2 or 3 trips tonight to get the cats out and put somewhere safe tonight.Or tomorrow
Work a few rides for the next 2 days to get them OUT.These people are HEARTLESS!!!!!
I'm FREAKING out!!!!

[catfamily]

My husband just said noone can just come into your home and touch your cats unless you are tricked into it.
Don't let them trick you!!
Especially by saying all they are doing is counting...they will
run out the door with them and in court say you let them do it.
But get the cats out as soon as you can.I hope you can get them out within a day or 2.