Cat Hunting - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

cyrnel · 03-07-2005, 11:48 AM

I have to admit, I'm torn on this one. I've had a couple pet cats I was very fond of but I've also battled the cat overpopulation problem. They use my yard, garden, flowerbeds, and even sidewalks as their litterbox. They walk on whatever, getting things muddy, scratching paint, spraying things that oughtent be sprayed, leaving dead birds around, etc. My family has always wondered why they are treated differently than dogs. (leash, strays, etc) I wouldn't go hunting them but I haven't hesitated to set up sensors and water traps to send the strays scurrying. Yes, now and then I forget and give myself an accidental shower.

Quote:

Wis. Man Wants to Legalize Cat Hunting
Monday, March 07, 2005
AP

MADISON, Wis. — Hunter Mark Smith welcomes wild birds on to his property, but if he sees a cat, he thinks the "invasive" animal should be considered fair game.

The 48-year-old firefighter from La Crosse has proposed that hunters in Wisconsin make free-roaming domestic cats an "unprotected species" that could be shot at will by anyone with a small-game license.

His proposal will be placed before hunters on April 11 at the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (search) spring hearings in each of the state's 72 counties.

"I get up in the morning and if there's new snow, there's cat tracks under my bird feeder ... I look at them as an invasive species, plain and simple," Smith said.

Smith's proposal has horrified cat lovers, but is seen by others as a way to stop cats from killing wild birds.

University of Wisconsin-Madison wildlife ecology professor Stanley Temple, who trapped more than 100 cats and analyzed their stomach contents during a four-year study, has estimated that between 7.8 million and 219 million birds are killed by rural cats in Wisconsin each year.

"It's obviously a very controversial proposal," Temple said, but added, "I think there really is a basis for having a debate about it."

The Conservation Congress is a five-member elected body whose duty is to advise the Department of Natural Resources (search) and the Legislature on natural resources issues.

DNR attorney Tim Andryk said the vote would simply be "an advisory recommendation" to state lawmakers.

"We (the DNR) don't have authority to regulate domestic animals. Legislation would have to be passed to accomplish this," Andryk said. "You might also have to amend laws relating to abuse of domestic animals."

But Temple said he thinks legislation is not needed. He said the department does have the authority to declare rural cats an unprotected species — because unclaimed cats can be considered nonnative wildlife species like house mice, Norway rats, pigeons and starlings.

"If they are not a pet, if somebody doesn't claim ownership, they become a nonnative wildlife species and not entitled to protection by the state," he said.

Cat enthusiasts Cheryl Balazs, Ted O'Donnell and Adam Bauknecht are trying to organize opposition to Smith's proposal. O'Donnell, a co-owner of MadCat Pet Supplies, recently set up a Web site, dontshootthecat.com, to inform people about it.

O'Donnell said Smith's proposal "is a callous response" to the problem of cats preying on wild birds.

"There's more humane solutions," he said. "We as citizens should step up and solve the problem humanely."

Sheri Carr, senior humane officer at the Dane County Humane Society (search), said the group has not yet taken a position on the proposal, but wants cat owners to abide by their local ordinances and not let their animals roam.

"I would hate to think that tame, owned cats who happen to slip out would be at risk of being deemed a wild, unprotected species," Carr said. "It's a delicate (ecological) balance out there, but does that mean people should be able to shoot their neighbor's cat? Probably not."

Is this pet prejudice or are these guys just correcting an invasive species problem?

Carno · 03-07-2005, 12:52 PM

Fine with me.

I don't like cats at all though.

Demeter · 03-07-2005, 01:34 PM

I always hated the fact that people let their cats roam & pollute other peoples yards. Nothing smells worse than cat urine & what a mess they make of flower beds.
I leash my cat when I take him outside. I don't want my cat to be the disdain of the neighborhood, and I certainly don't want to subject people to his feces. I don't want poop in my yard, I'm sure noone wants it in theirs.
I guess some pet owners just don't get it.

Glory's Sun · 03-07-2005, 01:51 PM

I'm all for it.. Cat's are the worst animals on the planet. They don't do anything useful *unless* they are around for controlling other pests. That's quite rare in todays society. Kill em all I say.

Grancey · 03-07-2005, 02:09 PM

What about a proposal to kill free-roaming dogs as well? Not a week goes by that I don't read about another "wonderful pit-bull family dog" that has gotten out of the pen and attacked or killed another child or adult. But it's much more important to have proposals to save the birds than to save the people. Next thing you know these guys will be complaining about the bird population. They're all a bunch of quacks.

Glory's Sun · 03-07-2005, 02:28 PM

let's not turn this into a "dog attacks" thread.. there are plenty of those around..

The propopsal in all honesty is pretty stupid. Unless the cats start thinning the population of birds out to a dangerous number then it shouldn' t be much of an issue..

Grancey · 03-07-2005, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guccilvr

let's not turn this into a "dog attacks" thread.. there are plenty of those around..

........typical

Glory's Sun · 03-07-2005, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grancey

........typical

at least explain how it's typical.

It's no secret that I hate cats. However I do think there should be laws for all pets..including dog's. SO I'm not completely biased in that sense. If you want to go over the other ideals then we should take it to PM so that this thread can stay on track.

*Nikki* · 03-07-2005, 04:33 PM

Seems to me that this planet would be a lot better off if some PEOPLE turned up missing, not innocent animals.

shakran · 03-07-2005, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Nikki*

Seems to me that this planet would be a lot better off if some PEOPLE turned up missing, not innocent animals.

How did I know you'd weigh in on this

I agree. It's not the cat's fault that its owner is a dipshit who lets it wander all over. Instead of hunting cats, I'd advocate hunting for their owners and slapping them with penalties that would hurt. I'm talking jail time. Letting an animal wander loose where it could get hurt by any number of things is cruelty to animals, plain and simple. I bet if you could go to jail for turning your animal loose on the neighborhood, there'd be a lot fewer strays running around.

degrawj · 03-07-2005, 05:24 PM

back when i was with my last g/f, who lived in a redneck farming town, one of the things the kids down there did for fun was go out past the city limits with their .22's and thin the racoon/skunk/stray cat population. not something i approve of, but i know that it happens. kind of sad how people can stoop to doing something that low. i guess it would be too hard for them to use their brains to think of a better solution to stop the cat problem. what a waste of a human brain.

CandleInTheDark · 03-07-2005, 06:40 PM

The only diffulculty would be identifying wether it's a stray, or not.

Konichiwaneko · 03-08-2005, 08:22 AM

I say make it a healthy competition and shoot the birds instead, and see who wins.. The cats or the People.

StormBerlin · 03-09-2005, 02:43 PM

Or you could just head out and try to catch the little buggers by hand. See how many "useless" cats you can pick up then. My guess would be none.

cyrnel · 03-09-2005, 11:07 PM

I was hoping for more talk than emotion, but I suppose it is a harsh subject. Wouldn't it be more appropriate to study the bird/cat problem and determine if the cats are truly a hazard? And wouldn't corrective action start with live-trapping vs. execution? I'm no fan of strays but this seems a little extreme unless some bird species are nearly extinct because of the cats.

cyrnel · 03-10-2005, 07:36 AM

Okay, here's one for cat lovers. Reminds me of those Gary Larson deer hunter/hunted cartoons:

Quote:

Cat Shoots Owner With 9mm Handgun
Thursday, March 10, 2005

BATES TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A man cooking in his kitchen was shot after one of his cats knocked his 9mm handgun onto the floor, discharging the weapon, Michigan State Police (search) said.

Joseph Stanton (search), 29, of Bates Township in Iron County, was shot in his lower torso around 6 p.m. Tuesday, the state police post in Iron River reported. He was transported to Iron County Community Hospital.

Michelle Sand, a spokeswoman at the Iron River hospital, said Stanton was treated there before being transferred to Marquette General Hospital for further treatment. But Marcie Miller, a representative of the Marquette facility, said there was no record of the hospital receiving a patient by that name.

A telephone message seeking comment was left Wednesday at Stanton's home.

State police said he was cooking at his stove when the cat knocked the loaded gun off the kitchen counter behind him.

squirrelyburt · 03-10-2005, 07:54 AM

I live in WI and this had become quite the topic of coversation in the past few days. It boils down to cats which irresponsible or non caring owners have tossed out reproducing and surviving like any other animal. Problem is that cats are very efficient hunters and have really damaged natural popluations of game animals in the area. I work nites and do a lot of driving in rural areas, in the summer I'd be willing be bet there is rarely a night I don't see 15-20 cats along the roads. I see way more cats than I do skunks or racoons.

The problem I see in the present law is that a person can be charged with cruelty to animals for shooting a cat, even if it is done in a humane manner. They should be seen as more of a nuisance animal and treated the same. Beleive me, I'm not into shooting your pet, I have dogs and can relate to how one gets attached, but I have to monitor what they do and where they go.

squirrelyburt · 03-10-2005, 07:56 AM

And exactly how bacd can it be in Iron County, MI, that you need to arm yourself for cooking??? thats messed up.

KinkyKiwi · 03-12-2005, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Nikki*

Seems to me that this planet would be a lot better off if some PEOPLE turned up missing, not innocent animals.

nikki you go girl... i love all animals and i dont want any to get hurt...if people are going to take on the responsibilty of a pet they need to make sure it doesnt hurt wildlife, kids or ruin othe rpeoples property.

Memalvada · 03-12-2005, 09:12 PM

Though I dislike cats, i think that just shooting them is 'an easy way out' of the cat problem. Other things could be done to control their population, and the effects they have on the environment.
As well, I agree that owners should become more responsible of their pets...

Rodney · 03-13-2005, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Memalvada

Though I dislike cats, i think that just shooting them is 'an easy way out' of the cat problem. Other things could be done to control their population, and the effects they have on the environment.
As well, I agree that owners should become more responsible of their pets...

That's what we do in my county. If anybody starting potshotting cats around here, the sheriff and animal control would be on the case immediately, by public demand. It'd be front-page news in the paper, and fiery-eyed cat ladies would be patrolling the kill zones.

But we also have serious programs, city- and county-wide, for spaying domestic animals and capturing and adopting strays. As a result, we don't have much of a stray cat problem. As Memalvada says, owners should be responsible for their pets, but the real good gets done when the community takes care of the responsibility. Communities that don't, well, they just turn a blind eye and let Cousin Jethro and his .22 and six-pack take care of the problem. That's a lazy, immoral, and cruel solution.

frogza · 03-14-2005, 09:43 AM

I don't think that hunting cats is a viable solution, as we've seen in this thread there are some strong emotions behind both sides, so I can imagine the "revenge" actions and/or legislation. I believe that it should be mandatory to have pets fixed to avoid the surplus that we are seeing now. Special permits could be given to breeders and those who have proven themselves to be responsible pet owners.

Too many people get pets on a whim, that is the problem. They don't have the slightest idea about pet care or even about selecting a pet that would be a good fit for their home, personality or budget.

Glory's Sun · 03-14-2005, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frogza

I don't think that hunting cats is a viable solution, as we've seen in this thread there are some strong emotions behind both sides, so I can imagine the "revenge" actions and/or legislation. I believe that it should be mandatory to have pets fixed to avoid the surplus that we are seeing now. Special permits could be given to breeders and those who have proven themselves to be responsible pet owners.

Too many people get pets on a whim, that is the problem. They don't have the slightest idea about pet care or even about selecting a pet that would be a good fit for their home, personality or budget.

A'fucking'men! Preach it! I used to breed Labs so I understand the responsiblity that comes with pets. I really think people should have to take a class on pet care before they actually are allowed to own one. In my previous posts my disdain for cats was apparant but shooting cats isn't really going to help anything. People just need to take responsibility for their pets and keep them in the house or a pen outside if they really want them. If they don't want them then take them to a good shelter or find a home for them..don't just drop them off or let them run loose. This goes for dogs and cats.

StanT · 03-17-2005, 01:06 PM

In my neck of the woods, a local mountain lion takes care of stray cats and small dogs. If you let your pets run free, the mountain lion sees them as dinner. It just comes with the territory. Maybe we just need to export a few to Wisconsin?

pattycakes · 03-21-2005, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grancey

What about a proposal to kill free-roaming dogs as well? Not a week goes by that I don't read about another "wonderful pit-bull family dog" that has gotten out of the pen and attacked or killed another child or adult. But it's much more important to have proposals to save the birds than to save the people. Next thing you know these guys will be complaining about the bird population. They're all a bunch of quacks.

if i saw a pitbull atacking someone or any dog for that matter i would go get the 30-06 and shoot the thing myself

pattycakes · 03-21-2005, 02:44 PM

as far as shooting an animal as being crule, if i had anyanimal that was not going to live i would put it down with one shot. i would not wit untill morning and take it to the vet.

I grew up aroung the whole farm scene, and somethings you just have to deal with.

SOME FARMERS used catch the cats and wrap rubber bands around their nuts....

other farmers would shoot them.

i live in pennsylvania, but if i lived in wisconsin and these cats were taking over MY property killing my pets or livestock (whatever) or even crapping on everything i would take care of it.

trapping and relocating is not an answer. if you see kittens fine take them to a shelter, but older cats that lived outside will never be indoor cats

MH73 · 03-21-2005, 08:11 PM

Can I shoot the mailman too? I hate bills!

pattycakes · 03-24-2005, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MH73

Can I shoot the mailman too? I hate bills!

ic you cant catch him by calling his name.... he he scratches the paint on your car and he poops everywhere you walk.....

then sure go ahead

MH73 · 03-24-2005, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pattycakes

ic you cant catch him by calling his name.... he he scratches the paint on your car and he poops everywhere you walk.....

then sure go ahead

OMG! You know my mailman!?!?

pattycakes · 03-27-2005, 05:51 PM

i shot him with a bb gun to warn him, but i told him next time i better not catch him crapping on my car or scratching at it

03-07-2005, 02:09 PM	#5 (permalink)
Grancey Life's short, gotta hurry... Location: land of pit vipers	What about a proposal to kill free-roaming dogs as well? Not a week goes by that I don't read about another "wonderful pit-bull family dog" that has gotten out of the pen and attacked or killed another child or adult. But it's much more important to have proposals to save the birds than to save the people. Next thing you know these guys will be complaining about the bird population. They're all a bunch of quacks. __________________ Quiet, mild-mannered souls might just turn out to be roaring lions of two-fisted cool.

03-07-2005, 06:40 PM	#12 (permalink)
CandleInTheDark Addict Location: Where the music's loudest	The only diffulculty would be identifying wether it's a stray, or not. __________________ Where there is doubt there is freedom.

03-08-2005, 08:22 AM	#13 (permalink)
Konichiwaneko The Dreaded Pixel Nazi Location: Inside my camera	I say make it a healthy competition and shoot the birds instead, and see who wins.. The cats or the People. __________________ Hesitate. Pull me in. Breath on breath. Skin on skin. Loving deep. Falling fast. All right here. Let this last. Here with our lips locked tight. Baby the time is right for us... to forget about us.

03-09-2005, 02:43 PM	#14 (permalink)
StormBerlin Happy as a hippo Location: Southern California	Or you could just head out and try to catch the little buggers by hand. See how many "useless" cats you can pick up then. My guess would be none. __________________ "if anal sex could get a girl pregnant i'd be tits deep in child support" Arcane

03-10-2005, 07:54 AM	#17 (permalink)
squirrelyburt Crazy Location: Central Wisconsin	I live in WI and this had become quite the topic of coversation in the past few days. It boils down to cats which irresponsible or non caring owners have tossed out reproducing and surviving like any other animal. Problem is that cats are very efficient hunters and have really damaged natural popluations of game animals in the area. I work nites and do a lot of driving in rural areas, in the summer I'd be willing be bet there is rarely a night I don't see 15-20 cats along the roads. I see way more cats than I do skunks or racoons. The problem I see in the present law is that a person can be charged with cruelty to animals for shooting a cat, even if it is done in a humane manner. They should be seen as more of a nuisance animal and treated the same. Beleive me, I'm not into shooting your pet, I have dogs and can relate to how one gets attached, but I have to monitor what they do and where they go. __________________ If you've ever felt there was a reason to be afraid of the dark, you were right.

03-07-2005, 12:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
Carno Junkie	Fine with me. I don't like cats at all though.

03-07-2005, 01:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
Demeter Psycho	I always hated the fact that people let their cats roam & pollute other peoples yards. Nothing smells worse than cat urine & what a mess they make of flower beds. I leash my cat when I take him outside. I don't want my cat to be the disdain of the neighborhood, and I certainly don't want to subject people to his feces. I don't want poop in my yard, I'm sure noone wants it in theirs. I guess some pet owners just don't get it.

03-07-2005, 01:51 PM	#4 (permalink)
Glory's Sun Registered User	I'm all for it.. Cat's are the worst animals on the planet. They don't do anything useful unless they are around for controlling other pests. That's quite rare in todays society. Kill em all I say.

03-07-2005, 02:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
Glory's Sun Registered User	let's not turn this into a "dog attacks" thread.. there are plenty of those around.. The propopsal in all honesty is pretty stupid. Unless the cats start thinning the population of birds out to a dangerous number then it shouldn' t be much of an issue..

03-07-2005, 04:33 PM	#9 (permalink)
Nikki ~~~~~~~ Location: Charleston, SC	Seems to me that this planet would be a lot better off if some PEOPLE turned up missing, not innocent animals.

03-07-2005, 05:24 PM	#11 (permalink)
degrawj I'm still waiting... Location: West Linn, OR	back when i was with my last g/f, who lived in a redneck farming town, one of the things the kids down there did for fun was go out past the city limits with their .22's and thin the racoon/skunk/stray cat population. not something i approve of, but i know that it happens. kind of sad how people can stoop to doing something that low. i guess it would be too hard for them to use their brains to think of a better solution to stop the cat problem. what a waste of a human brain.

03-09-2005, 11:07 PM	#15 (permalink)
cyrnel Adequate Location: In my angry-dome.	I was hoping for more talk than emotion, but I suppose it is a harsh subject. Wouldn't it be more appropriate to study the bird/cat problem and determine if the cats are truly a hazard? And wouldn't corrective action start with live-trapping vs. execution? I'm no fan of strays but this seems a little extreme unless some bird species are nearly extinct because of the cats.

03-10-2005, 07:56 AM	#18 (permalink)
squirrelyburt Crazy Location: Central Wisconsin	And exactly how bacd can it be in Iron County, MI, that you need to arm yourself for cooking??? thats messed up. __________________ If you've ever felt there was a reason to be afraid of the dark, you were right.

03-12-2005, 09:12 PM	#20 (permalink)
Memalvada Psycho Location: South of the border	Though I dislike cats, i think that just shooting them is 'an easy way out' of the cat problem. Other things could be done to control their population, and the effects they have on the environment. As well, I agree that owners should become more responsible of their pets... __________________ "The weak are food for the strong, so die and let me feast!" - Makoto Shishio (RK)

03-14-2005, 09:43 AM	#22 (permalink)
frogza Registered User Location: Right Here	I don't think that hunting cats is a viable solution, as we've seen in this thread there are some strong emotions behind both sides, so I can imagine the "revenge" actions and/or legislation. I believe that it should be mandatory to have pets fixed to avoid the surplus that we are seeing now. Special permits could be given to breeders and those who have proven themselves to be responsible pet owners. Too many people get pets on a whim, that is the problem. They don't have the slightest idea about pet care or even about selecting a pet that would be a good fit for their home, personality or budget.

03-17-2005, 01:06 PM	#24 (permalink)
StanT © Location: Colorado	In my neck of the woods, a local mountain lion takes care of stray cats and small dogs. If you let your pets run free, the mountain lion sees them as dinner. It just comes with the territory. Maybe we just need to export a few to Wisconsin?

03-21-2005, 08:11 PM	#27 (permalink)
MH73 Upright	Can I shoot the mailman too? I hate bills!