I found Out that I am going to have periodic Animal Control Visits

[catmandu]

For the forseable future.
This is despite taht fact that all Cats are neutered or spayed, have the blessings of My Vet, and Animal Welfare, and they are going to be cared for after my passing.
I dont like the idea that I have to be on guard for suprise visits.
Am I right?
Advice please.

[G535]

It doesn't seem right that you should have to put up with surprise visits after you have already been checked out and approved. Sorry I can't really offer advice as our laws are probably different to yours. Your cats are obviously well cared for and loved, you would think these people would spend their time and money going after the ones who don't look after their animals.

[K & L]

I wouldn't like it either. I guess the best way to look at it is all is well at your place so let them drop in whenever they please! It's all so aggravating though.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Gary, I'm sorry that you have to go through this. At least you have support from your vet and animal welfare.

[Karen]

I'd contact the mayor's office, and find out if you have any recourse.

[catnapper]

I'm sorry to hear that. But Gary, don't worry! Seriously! You have nothing to hide, you know your cats are well cared for and of the best health, so what will they find upon a surprise inspection that they didn't find on the last one? Nothing but loved and perfectly healthy cats.

[kuhio98]

I wouldn't like it either. But, it could be something they agreed to do temporarily to get that woman off their back. I'm not sure what options you have. I guess I would kill them with kindness. They will quickly see that YOU are not the problem. Are there any Merry Maids (house cleaning services) in Hamilton? I have no idea how expensive it is, but if you're worried about keeping up with the house cleaning, maybe they could come in once a month and do some cleaning. That would sure leave a good impression. If not Merry Maids, I found: http://www.koidlkleenhomes.ca/services.html and http://www.careoncallhomecare.com/

[Laura's Babies]

Be sure you have plenty of treats for your visitors to give your cats and even have some on hand for you to offer them.

I wouldn't like that either Gary, having someone coming by to drop in to "check on things" to make sure my kitties are well taken care of. Your vet comes by there and so does your friends from the animal welfare (don't they?) so WHAT IS THE %#&%@&^! PROBLEM!!!!!?? As long as they are HEALTHY, well FED, get vet care, have clean boxes to potty in and a warm place to sleep... Those people need to get a life!

Be kind to your guests, bore them to death with constant bragging about your wonderful kitties from the minute they walk in until they leave, in fact have them wait as they are leaving for you to tell them that one last cute L-O-N-G story that they just have to hear... I bet as a true PT'er pet owner, you have a rather large suppy of cat stories, enough to keep them there for hours.. I'd act all excited that I had a new audience to hear all about my WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL babies and be ready to tell the stories all day....

If they are dressed really nice, cover them with cat hair, handing them one cat after the other to pet..... They might not be so quick to come back if you keep them there for hours and send them off covered in cat hair.. In fact, even off them your cats favorite chair to sit in .. (cat hair on their butt, they'll never know!)

[Corinna]

Would letters from us help if we flood the office of the people doing the checking.

[Edwina's Secretary]

When we adopted Edwina from the shelter we had to agree that they could make a surprise home visit at any time.

They have so many animals to worry about....I'd accept them but not expect them.....

[Donnaj4962]

I wouldn't like it either. But, it could be something they agreed to do temporarily to get that woman off their back. I'm not sure what options you have. I guess I would kill them with kindness. They will quickly see that YOU are not the problem. Are there any Merry Maids (house cleaning services) in Hamilton? I have no idea how expensive it is, but if you're worried about keeping up with the house cleaning, maybe they could come in once a month and do some cleaning. That would sure leave a good impression. If not Merry Maids, I found: http://www.koidlkleenhomes.ca/services.html and http://www.careoncallhomecare.com/

I agree that it may be something that they agreed to do as a trade-off! That makes a lot of sense to me, since they KNOW that your kitties are well cared for! As far as the Merry Maids goes, Gary, I don't know your age, and I do not know if there are Councils on Aging in Canada... but here in the US, most Councils on Aging offer assistance in housekeeping, at a minimal or no charge. That could be something else to look into and see if you qualify.

I am so sorry that you are going through this, and I am willing to help any way that I can.... letters to local officials, calls, whatever! Just let us know. Give all those found cats a kissie from me and Tabitha and Sasha!

[sandragonfly]

gee, I don't think that's right .. unless you violated a law, I think. oh heck, didn't you? and they already have came, didn't they. or when someone complained. but...biweekly? I wish everyone would back off and bother irresponsible owners more!

it's like a law of landlord that must give you a 24 hour notice in advance, even for an inspection. gary, let me know and I'll have a letter ready for you too! :grrr:

[Lizzie]

I've avoided this thread because it gives me the chills, I must admit. First of all is the violation of privacy with the visits when they choose. And then the worry of what they may decide. The problem, I think, is with the visiting cats - at least those are the cats your neighbors see and the ones that violate the second bylaw. The thought that a neighbor would rather see these desparate cats starve alone, or rather not look at them as they do, than simply put up with them walking through her garden incenses me. I would have nightmares, too, if I ever managed to sleep. At least you have some strong people on your side, Gary, and any fuss created would be supportive of you and your work. We'll keep hoping alongside you that the visits are more for show and that the organization will let common sense rule.

[Beauty17]

You have my support and sympathy. It would feel extremely invasive to me to know that some legal representative had the "right" to come into my home periodically - announced or not. I am sorry that you and your cats are the subjects of this unwanted attention.

[christa]

I would hope that after a few visits to your house, Gary, these people would realize that bothering you is a waste of their time! And if they have any decency at all, they will also realize that their time is needed elsewhere, where cats ARE being mistreated or neglected.

This ongoing . . . *thing* . . . makes me so angry!!! I don't see how you stand it!!!

All I can do is offer you best wishes & prayers for your found cats . . . hoping that they can all stay safely with you, where we all know they want & love to be.

Hang in there Gary!