Joe, 3-4 million cats and dogs are 'euthanized' by 'shelters' every year in the US. More cats than dogs.
There is NO overpopulation of feral cats or dogs. That's a human misperception. Nature balances all populations naturally to meet resources. Wild dogs and cats replace wild predators humans have killed off. They serve a valuable function in the balance of nature.. The ONLY species that is overpopulated is HUMANS because only the human species is not properly balanced by nature. The notion that you have to kill a living sentient being to prevent the possibility of it suffering sometime in the future is BARBARIC.... If that were good ethics it should be applied to humans also. Edgar On Oct 8, 2012, at 11:18 AM, Joe wrote: > Edgar, > > In my rescuing of feral cats, they are NOT killed. I don't know who or what > else you may have in mind there; but it doesn't happen, the way I do it. > > When I bring cats to the clinic for spaying, I pick them up again the same > evening. Charge is usually US $20, but sometimes less (some clinics work by > Donation). > > Then, I assiduously feed and water them outdoors all their lives, or adopt > and domesticate them as indoor cats. Well, I've been doing this since 1961; > so far, good results! in the several states I've lived in. > > This is a relatively recent method of population-control also in Mosquitoes: > sterile females are released by State labs into the surroundings at West Nile > hot-spots, and they "breed" with males, but produce no offspring: this > results in less West Nile virus disease in humans and other animals, and an > overall drop in 'squito population over time. I think this is a Wise and > Compassionate practice. > > --Joe > > PS As far as euthanizing rabid dogs or Coyotes is concerned, well, have you > ever seen a child suffering from rabies who'd been bitten? A rabid animal's > prognosis for recovery and survival is zero, and so will die. Euthanizing > cuts short the animal's own suffering, and the damage and suffering it might > inflict on others. It is wise and compassionate action. I don't think it > ignores or violates the First Precept of "No Killing". > > > Edgar Owen <edgarowen@...> wrote: > > > > The fact that some animals may get sick or have a bad time is NOT a reason > > to kill them. > >
