After my irresponsible neighbor's pseudo-feral cat ripped up the roof of my car, I flipped my lid when I saw this post from Joe Sangl.
His family decided they couldn't handle their cat anymore because it was peeing unnoticed for months. (I'm not sure how you could not notice cat pee for months, but that's another issue.) So they made a calculated decision to get rid of it. The problem: HE JUST THREW IT ON THE STREET. He didn't get it a home, he just put it outside to rip up his neighbors' flowers and cars. Nice.
An animal is a lifetime responsibility. If you can't handle your animal, you re-HOME it. Most reputable breeders will even do it for you. That means you don't just throw it on the street to be someone else's problem. Even if you aren't Christian (as Joe is), you know that this is called "passing the buck." I didn't sign up for a cat, and I sure do not appreciate a cat destroying my things because you can't be bothered to clean up after it.
I'm going to give Joe the benefit of the doubt. I am going to guess he lives on acres and acres of rolling farm. I am going to guess that the only yards or cars it will be destroying will be his. I am also going to assume his cat is fixed. That's the only way I can justify throwing your cat out ON THE STREET to trade in for a newer model (a kitten).
7 comments:
I disagree with you.
Absolutely nothing justifies "tossing" a pet (dog, cat, rat, etc.) out to the elements. As you said, an animal is a lifetime responsibility. And that is for the life of the pet. There are countless shelters and rescue associations around the US that will happily take unwanted pets and help find them "forever" homes.
However, once you give your pet up, regardless of the reason, search your soul before committing to another animal. Pets are not disposable - they are living creatures who depend on us for food, shelter, and yes, companionship.
I'm with Anon on this one, there is no valid or appropriate situation where you would dump a pet into the elements. At least take the poor thing to a shelter.
I've made my thoughts known on his blog directly too - hideous man.
I read that post too and am appalled! Not only is it cruel to the animal, it is completely irresponsible, as the cat will cause trouble in the neighbourhood by being left out at night, and will wind up at the pound or run over. I will not be going back to visit that blog ever again. What next? 'Save money by kicking your kids into the street and let them fend for themselves'??
I want to throw up.
Nice comments. I appreciate all of them.
Absolutely ridiculous. First of all, there are so many remedies to prevent a cat from spraying.
Regardless, if an owner decides that he/she is no longer able to care for their pet, they should exhaust all of their options before simply letting the animal out to fend for itself.
If I was ever in a position where I needed to part ways with my pets, I would check with friends. If I didn't have friends willing to accept it, I would try to find a responsible owner through classified ads. If all else fails, why not take it to the shelter?
Amen!
I get so sick of people who just take in and get rid of cats without thought. I had a friend who went through three cats because he'd get one, then his living situation would change. When he moved, he wouldn't look only for places he could bring the cat along. Drove me absolutely crazy.
My cat is an utter nutball. But she's my nutball and I won't move to a place without her unless it was a supreme emergency. Even then, I'd try to find a home for her; and if that didn't work, I'd take her to a shelter.
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