To the editor:
Letter-writer Larry David is correct that cats left outdoors take a deadly toll on wildlife. That alone is an important reason to keep all cats indoors, but there is another one: Cats who are left to roam or dumped through trap-neuter-(re)abandon programs also suffer and die painfully.
Cats are domesticated animals who depend on humans for all their needs, including food, shelter, veterinary care, and protection from dangers. Dumping them outdoors to fend for themselves is cruel and dooms them to horrific fates including starving, freezing, languishing with untreated injuries and illnesses, being hit by cars and attacked by dogs, and more.
In New Madrid County, at least five cats were reportedly found dead on the streets from suspected poisoning, and in Springfield, a homeless kitten was reportedly found after being shot. A bullet remained lodged in her spine, causing paralysis and incontinence.
In Franklin County, a homeless cat was reportedly found covered with dirt and insects “after dragging himself into a yard” with a steel-jaw trap clamped onto a leg. He was taken to an animal adoption group, where a spokesperson said, “He was in so much pain and distress, he had wounds that were consistent with trying to chew his own leg off to escape.” His leg had to be amputated.
These are just a few examples from Missouri. Countless others go unreported.
The humane and effective way to address cat overpopulation and homelessness is by passing laws requiring that all cats be spayed, neutered, and kept indoors, where they are safe.
