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 principles about rescuing stray dogs or cats? – ANIMAL FAN
DEAR ANIMAL FAN: In the state of Massachusetts, all dogs and cats have to be vaccinated in opposition to rabies. Some cities, akin to Belmont, require each dogs and cats to be licensed – and to put on a license tag always. This means, in case 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; nevertheless, 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 see that 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; generally the native board of well being.
The guidelines are that in case you assume you see a stray cat – who just isn’t recognized 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 search 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 subject inform me a number of elements are at play: post-Covid, many individuals had been evicted, and didn’t make provisions for cats; or might now 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, in case you hear a couple of “rescue group,” comply with these guidelines:
•Make certain these individuals have an ongoing partnership with native animal management
•Have an awesome relationship with native shelters
•Regularly publish discovered animals on social media
The group in North Central Massachusetts, Street Cat Angels, is doing an awesome job and tick all these packing containers – attain out to them if you want to be taught extra at streetcatangels.org; additionally on Facebook.
We’ll discuss 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 e mail [email protected]
