I have heard that the city of Petaluma systematically slaughters wild and stray cats that are found in parks and wetland areas. How can they conduct such barbaric practices that creates such inhumane animal suffering? Why don't they do what other civilized communities do and establish a trap, neuter, and release program. This has been proven to be the best and only good method to control feral cat populations. The city council should look into this and end the barbaric killings and suffering.

The City Council is scheduled to hear changes to Chapter 9 of the Municipal Code this Monday night--April 6. Among the proposed changes are allowing feral cat colonies under the auspices of a registered non-profit organization. Everything should be posted on the City website by this afternoon.

As a supplement to my previous post, here is the Agenda Item 5B: Consideration and Possible Introduction (First Reading) of an Ordinance Amending Specified Provisions of Title 9, “Animal Regulations” of the Petaluma Municipal Code. (Hood/Cook) - Agenda title corrected (substitute "ordinance" for "resolution") and staff report made available with Revision No. 1, Thursday, April 2, 2009.

Full details of the proposed ordinance may be obtained from the City Clerk's Web Page

Agenda NotificationItem 5.B on April 6, 2009 Regular City Council/PCDC Meeting Agenda Monday, April 6, 2009 - 8:00 a.m. - Item 5.B on the April 6 Agenda (Amendments to Title 9: Animal Regulations, of the Petaluma Municipal Code) has been removed from the agenda and moved to the Monday, May 18, 2009 Regular City Council/PCDC Meeting, 7:00 P.M. session.

Update: Letter to Petaluma City Council

There was a celebration of sort in Petaluma when we heard that animal shelter manager resigned several weeks ago. We had hopes for Petaluma animals - specially homeless and feral cats.

After being turned down several times by this city, Jennifer Kirchner, Executive Director for Forgotten Felines, was talked into getting involved again and she pleaded for Petaluma homeless and feral cats. Last Monday evening, this council turned down the help of Forgotten Felines again. We were all so surprised. I gave each council member a video "Born Feral" about the work of Forgotten Felines. I was hoping you would look at it. It was your duty to educate yourself. I have done everything humanely possible to save our homeless and feral cats.

Something stinks at Petaluma City Hall and it is not cats. It is dirty politics and we need to make some drastic changes. We, the people of Petaluma, need to wake up and take charge of our government. The general population expects our animals treated fairly. Many of us worked so hard toward these goals.

I am so heartbroken - and embarrassed to be a resident of Petaluma where river docents and dear friends of this council talk about killing or getting rid of everything that get in their way. What is left for me to do is to work at replacing this council because I think Petaluma deserves better.

Last Monday I heard a Shollenberger docent complaining about the lack of visitors. What they (docents) don't understand is that birdwatchers are disappointed after one visit. They go back home and they tell their friends that what they read about Petaluma River and wetland was not what they experienced. Birdwatchers are like everyone else. They are not dumb people and they don't want cats or white swans killed. When the rest of the country hears that again Petaluma failed to protect animals, tourists may stop by but won't be staying in Petaluma.

I am so, so disappointed. Poor Cats!!!

gif_AA_cry011.gif (2 KB, 6 downloads) Tears

Elle, will you please give some examples as to what the City can do with all these stray cats instead of putting them to sleep?

This is quite simple. The City has no money so if the feral cat folks want something done about it they will have to step up. I don't see them doing it.

They have been enjoying their position of complaining that the City isn't doing anything. Now there is finally an ordinance in place that allows them to organize and get to work but that is not enough for them.

All I hear is; 'We didn't get everything we wanted', 'we are the experts you should have done what we wanted' and the best part is they are now saying WE WONT WORK WITH THIS.

Here's a thought: STOP COMPLAINING AND DO SOMETHING. The ball is in your court now. Organize volunteers, raise money, actually do something for the cats instead of just complaining. Or just keep complaining and nothing gets done. Step up or ...

quote:

Originally posted by PTOWNKIDSTAXI:
Elle, will you please give some examples as to what the City can do with all these stray cats instead of putting them to sleep?

Go to petalumaferalcats.com

Answers to all your questions and more.

Copy of "Born Feral" can be purchased from Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County or PCA.
Can also be seen on channel 26. It is all about proper management of homeless and feral cats.
Thanks,
Elle

quote:

Originally posted by Really?:
This is quite simple. The City has no money so if the feral cat folks want something done about it they will have to step up. I don't see them doing it.

They have been enjoying their position of complaining that the City isn't doing anything. Now there is finally an ordinance in place that allows them to organize and get to work but that is not enough for them.

All I hear is; 'We didn't get everything we wanted', 'we are the experts you should have done what we wanted' and the best part is they are now saying WE WONT WORK WITH THIS.

Here's a thought: STOP COMPLAINING AND DO SOMETHING. The ball is in your court now. Organize volunteers, raise money, actually do something for the cats instead of just complaining. Or just keep complaining and nothing gets done. Step up or ...

Get your facts straight at: petalumaferalcats.com

Answers to all your questions and more.

Copy of "Born Feral" can be purchased from Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County or PCA.
Can also be seen on channel 26. It is all about proper management of homeless and feral cats.
Thanks,
Elle

I actually went to the website you list. Lot's of hate on that site for someone who "loves" animals.

You state: "The problem with the new ordinance is that it puts all the burdens on volunteers and non-profit organizations such as Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County". This is EXACTLY how it should read. If you are truly concerned about it fix the problem. This city has no money. Even if they wanted to spend the money on cats, they don't have it.

Besides complaining, what did you do today? What did you actually do to make the situation better?

quote:

Originally posted by 4th gen Petaluma:
I actually went to the website you list. Lot's of hate on that site for someone who "loves" animals.

You state: "The problem with the new ordinance is that it puts all the burdens on volunteers and non-profit organizations such as Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County". This is EXACTLY how it should read. If you are truly concerned about it fix the problem. This city has no money. Even if they wanted to spend the money on cats, they don't have it.

Besides complaining, what did you do today? What did you actually do to make the situation better?

some people see hate when they don't agree with someone. personally, began a compaign for a better petaluma . . . i agree time for change