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TNR Passes in an Arizona County Over Objections from PETA

August 6, 2014 by Leave a Comment


The News

Over the objections of PETA, Lawmakers in Pima County, Arizona (Tucson area) approved a trap, neuter & release (TNR) program to reduce the overall number of feral cats while preventing existing cats from being euthanized. In a letter to the County’s Board of Supervisors, PETA encouraged the County to euthanize feral cats on the grounds that they are not meant to live outdoors; they prey on wildlife; and they send a message to it’s okay for humans to abandon their pets. PETA also says that euthanasia is less painful than the deaths experienced by cats in the street.

TNR

News & Opinion

I know I open up a can of (faux) worms when I ask this question, but are some feral cats better off being killed in a shelter than sent back into inhospitable and dangerous streets where their demise could be far more painful or where they are they abused by people? Do they depend on the kindness of strangers for food, only to be neglected? Do they prey on local wildlife?  Does their presence give people license to abandon their own cats, as PETA claims? Does the presence of feral cats give people license to abandon their cats? I don’t know. What I do know is that we are reckless and cruel by domesticating animals and then tossing them out into the street like garbage when taking care of them becomes inconvenient. I also know is that we must continuously remind the general public to spay and neuter companion animals and adopt from shelters instead of buying from pet stores and breeders.



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TheirTurn.net Comments

  1. Susan Izes says:

    not all stray cats are feral. Some are abandoned, and others are friendly if fed as kittens. They seem to thrive very happily outdoors, especially when fed and cared for. Also, I’ve noticed a large white rabbit living amongst them for months now. They seem oblivious to it. The rabbit it seems, is doing fine too.

  2. Dvb says:

    Anyone who knows anything about TNR knows it’s not cruel. Yes, spaying and neutering your pets is the number 1 solution. However, we all know many people fall short on being responsible owners. As far as “stalking” wildlife…that’s kind of funny. If you count mice and moles as wildlife then yes, they are stalking them. They stay in their “community” and live pretty decent lives. They are not normally harassed and/or abused. People need to educate themselves. Oh yeah. Don’t trust PETA!!!!!! Killing is their solution to everything. Their name is such a crock!

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