Don’t enable cat hoarder

Re “Atwater delays rules on feral cats” (Page A1, Nov. 12): It’s alarming that Atwater officials have tabled an ordinance that would require proper care for cats in response to pressure from groups like Last Hope Cat Kingdom – which was found keeping cats in unsafe conditions last year.

Some 300 ill and dying animals were seized from this group, where dead cats were found in travel carriers used as long-term housing; cats were found with their eyes and noses sealed shut with mucus, and suffering from oozing wounds; litter boxes were overflowing; and blankets were caked with feces and covered with flies, among other atrocities.

Of course hoarders would oppose laws requiring adequate care for animals – that’s one of the reasons why such laws are desperately needed. People who have cats’ best interests at heart want to provide them with their basic needs – and they want better for animals than to be left on the streets where they stand no chance against extreme weather, diseases, traffic, dogs, cruel humans and other dangers.

Cats who are forced to survive outdoors are just as deserving of veterinary attention and proper care as the cats who share our homes. We urge the Atwater City Council to ensure they receive these necessities. Visit www.PETA.org to learn more.

Editor’s note: Following sanctions imposed in 2013, Last Hope Cat Kingdom was limited to 40 cats in its care, and it was inspected by county officials in September. Violations such as excessive feces in litter boxes and an unlocked medicine room were reported, but county inspectors took no action.

This story was originally published November 13, 2014 at 11:19 AM with the headline "Don’t enable cat hoarder."