Bear is a rescue cat that may use a loving household. He’s at Ahimsa Haven in Winchendon. (COURTESY AHIMSA HAVEN)
DEAR PET TALK: What are the foundations about rescuing stray dogs or cats? – ANIMAL FAN
DEAR ANIMAL FAN: In the state of Massachusetts, all dogs and cats should be vaccinated towards rabies. Some cities, resembling Belmont, require each dogs and cats to be licensed – and to put on a license tag always. This means, should you lived in Belmont and owned a cat, you’d want to go to the city clerk’s workplace yearly with the rabies certificates to obtain your cat’s license.
Every metropolis and city requires licensing of dogs; nonetheless, cats are actually in a “gray area,” as a result of they’re free-roaming. If you see a pleasant cat exterior in a neighborhood, don’t assume they don’t have an proprietor, and in most cities you’ll not discover an ordinance or code relating to cats. However, you will discover Animal Control. Every metropolis and city within the state is required to offer these providers to residents. Most Animal Control Officers (ACO) are a part of the police division; typically the native board of well being.
The guidelines are that should you suppose you see a stray cat – who just isn’t identified to any of your neighbors – attain out to your native ACO. There are teams who assist stray and feral cats, after which work with a shelter to seek out and make sure stray cats and assist them discover a new home.
Right now, there may be an overabundance of cats in shelters. People who work on this area inform me a number of elements are at play: post-Covid, many individuals have been evicted, and didn’t make provisions for cats; or may not work at home, and so deserted their animal; or weren’t in a position to afford spay/neuter as a result of costs for that vet service rose astronomically.
Yes, there are stray cats however, should you hear a few “rescue group,” comply with these guidelines:
•Make certain these folks have an ongoing partnership with native animal management
•Have an important relationship with native shelters
•Regularly put up discovered animals on social media
The group in North Central Massachusetts, Street Cat Angels, is doing an important job and tick all these bins – attain out to them if you need to study extra at streetcatangels.org; additionally on Facebook.
We’ll speak about trapping stray and feral cats subsequent week.
Sally Cragin is the director of Be PAWSitive: Therapy Pets and Community Education. Visit us on Facebook and textual content inquiries to: 978-320-1335, or electronic mail [email protected]
