The Official Unofficial Seminole Heights Blog

43 Comments:

1. I’m not sure what solution Vicki or Mike are proposing here. Should we put the cats down now before they get injured?

   Joe P

   2013.02.20
   11:52 am
   

2. The feral cats were born due to its parents not being fixed. TNR is long term in that there are No More litters of ferals and therefore once those fixed ferals have lived out there existence ..it ends with them ..unless someone has an intact animal still roaming or dumps.
   Rounding up and killing just to protect them from a death _? ..to what-if How it might die and therefore Kill It now _? ..and for what -to spare it and spare your sensitive feelings? Now that is insensitive and irrational….and selfishly egotistical.
   ..what sort of twisted logic is that? .. reminds me of the Mom in Texas who drowned her kids

   Anonymous

   2013.02.20
   8:50 pm
   

3. Hey 8:50 – to a person who loves animals (but is not a crazy cat person) letting animals suffer from injuries based on the irresponsibility of humans who allow and encourage them to roam as wild animals they are not is the problem. All of the feral and outside roaming cat people refuse to reasonably assess the situation. You buy into each others’ ramblings and perpetuate the false information. Go ahead, foster the feral cat problem and let those fighting kitties suffer from their injuries, infections, diseases – after all you love cats. Even if TNR worked in isolated cases, there will never be an end to cat dumping in SH so TNR will not work despite “the claims”.

   Anonymous

   2013.02.21
   7:49 am
   

4. Let them be allowed for human consumption.
   You will have NO feral cats any longer and VERY responsible cat owners afterwards.

   Anonymous

   2013.02.21
   11:06 am
   

5. I’m OK with that 11:06. There’s no real reason why it’s otherwise fine to eat nearly every animal in the spectrum except a cat or a dog.

   Anonymous

   2013.02.21
   12:08 pm
   

6. Orthodox Jews would get ill at the thought of eating shellfish, I love to eat shrimp and lobster.
   I don’t know if it’s still the case, but horse meat was an ingredient in some french cuisine.
   There are cultures in SE Asia that eating a dog or cat would be like us eating rabbit or squirrel.
   If we do have laws against eating dogs or cats the question that needs to be asked is why?

   Anonymous

   2013.02.21
   1:05 pm
   

7. Lets not deal with potentially injured animals and just kill all of them! What a bunch of loving, compassionate folks we have around here. Shame on all of you.

   Anonymous

   2013.02.21
   10:02 pm
   

8. 10:02 – Accidentally injured is one thing. Not being responsible and allowing a cat to roam wild is not an accident, it’s a deliberate act of negligence from which the cat suffers.

   Anonymous

   2013.02.22
   7:47 am
   

9. There is no potential injury in a feral cat’s story, it’s virtual certainty that if allowed to run free that the average cat will have a lifespan of 5 or so years of various degrees of hunger, disease, and fighting other animals.

   Anonymous

   2013.02.22
   8:04 am
   

10. 11:06 has a point… there isn’t a problem with strays near Waters and Armenia…

    Anonymous

    2013.02.22
    5:53 pm
    

11. This post is silly. “I don’t believe in tnr because I knew a cat that got hit by a car and it turns out that the cat was neutered?!” Pure logic folks.

    Blogger,
    What compelled you to post this? Empathy? Pity?

    I am not a huge fan of cats running amuck and pooping on my storm-door (yes, I watched this happen) but I do understand that some cats are just going to be outdoor cats. Tnr is n place to prevent their populations from spiraling out of control while allowing them to live.

    Anonymous

    2013.02.22
    6:02 pm
    

12. I have a recipe for Feline Fondue that I’d like to share with you. I also have some Cat Crumpets that are divine.

    Anonymous

    2013.02.23
    9:28 am
    

13. Ok. So instead of trapping a feral and feeding it for what is anticipated a 5 year life span, we should instead have an organized cat shoot! Perhaps followed by a BBQ. Bring on the sauce!

    Anonymous

    2013.02.23
    3:18 pm
    

14. Please pass the catsup.

    Anonymous

    2013.02.23
    4:16 pm
    

15. I live in SESHCA and a neighbor emailed today that a loose dog or coyote got in her garage and killed one of her free roaming cats. This is reason enough to break the cycle of cats. Had she been a responsible owner the cat would not have been outdoors to be killed.

    Anonymous

    2013.02.25
    9:52 pm
    

16. We overheard a group talking this weekend. 3 people talking about cats. They said they had bought trap a Lowes and was trapping in their own back yard. The lady said they had taken three to Faulkenburg (sp?) Road and had caught another but had to “set it free as they had to leave for a dinner engagement” and did not have time to drop it off. The interesting thing was that they were talking about how they do not care if they are fixed or not they are hauling off any cat on their property. Is that legal? I called the shelter and they did confirm several cats were brought in but did not know from which area.

    Anonymous

    2013.02.25
    9:57 pm
    

17. Well, Mr. or Ms. anonymous poster from Feb. 25, have the guts to show your face. My cat was killed. My cat was IN my garage. He was NOT running loose. A dog dug into my yard. Of course you are too much of a jerk to call out the irresponsible person whose dog was running loose, and instead target me.

    Step forward and I’ll tell you what I really think of you and what you truly deserve!

    susan

    2013.03.01
    3:23 pm
    

18. To anon 2/25 9:52pm … what a coward you are. you are obviously on the seshca yahoo group yet you chose to make your opinions known on this blog rather than replying on the yahoo group. gee, might it be because here you can post anonymously and you don’t have the guts to speak your mind to susan directly? shame on you. you clearly don’t know her, therefore you are unaware that she has taken in quite a few strays and has spent plenty $$ in vet bills to “un-do” the abuse and neglect these strays had suffered. and they all live spoiled lives indoors. I knew colby. he was an awesome cat who just happened to like being outdoors rather than indoors, and he (unlike most outdoor cats) actually enjoyed his fenced-in yard. so what? that doesn’t mean that susan is irresponsible. I’ve been at her home on occasions when she’d stop what she was doing to put colby up in the garage for the night. It was like his own little “dorm room”. the fact that some rogue dog dug under her SIX FOOT PRIVACY FENCE, made its way into her garage and savagely killed her cat is what you should focus on. Someone else, NOT SUSAN, should be accused of being an irresponsible pet owner. not her. i love dogs and own 2 myself, but i must say, if some free-roaming dog came into my property and harmed my pets, it would be SHOT. So why aren’t you on this blog posting about the loose rogue dogs instead of adding INSULT to someone else’s injury?

    I always say, “mean people suck” and you are definitely one for the records.

    DesignGirl

    2013.03.01
    6:36 pm
    

19. 9:25
    You are quite the asshole.

    Tornado

    2013.03.01
    6:39 pm
    

20. Damn, you people have too much time on your hands! Quit your bitchin’ and whinin’!

    –Hammer

    Anonymous

    2013.03.01
    6:45 pm
    

21. I knew Susan’s cat Colby. He was very sweet and lived in her garage and backyard. He could not be an inside cat (like most of her other cats) because he had feline FIV and she did not want Colby to infect her other cats. Your remarks were brutal and stated without knowing the facts.
    I also suspect that you post on the blog and not on the yahoo group because you do not want your neighbors to know what an insensitive human being you have shown yourself to be in this matter.

    Randi

    2013.03.01
    6:47 pm
    

22. Did I miss something? Or was a posting deleted? I don’t see anything cruel above. Is it because they said but was a irresponsible pet owner? Well, I have to agree. Both the dog owner and the cat owner are to blame. Funny how the “let the cats roam free to hell with your property” group sure sings a different song when the free roaming dog comes calling! Be responsible! Care for all your pets and lock them up!!!!!

    Anonymous

    2013.03.01
    7:26 pm
    

23. No, this time you are wrong. The cat owner was keeping her cat in her backyard. The dog owner was breaking the law by not having the dog leashed. There is no leash law for cats. This time it is not a “wrong on both sides”.

    Randi

    2013.03.01
    7:39 pm
    

24. Randi, you are correct that the dog owner was in the wrong. They did violate the leash law. However, the city does have laws against cats running free in the city as well.

    According to the Hillsborough County Animal Services which does cover all companion animals. COMPANION ANIMAL – shall mean any dog, cat or other animal that is legally owned, harbored or kept for companionship or pleasure on or about the habitat or environment of a person and such dog, cat, or other animal is dependent upon a person for sustenance or survival, including all animals except indigenous and non-indigenous wildlife under the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and animals used in connection with pari-mutual wagering, horses, or animals raised in connection with food or fiber industries.

    In addition, Section 15 covers rules for animals. You can see that the feral cats (since depending on the homeowner for food) now fall under this. If they are destroying property, they can be removed. More importantly, 2 neighbors can sign and affidavits to solve the problem.

    Cat Farmers will run the risk of losing the cats should they decide to let them run free. Living in an urban environment it is foolish and dangerous for the cats. Cars, loose dogs, wild animals and more are killers of the feral cats. I have 4 cats indoors. i would never let them run the back yard or the neighborhood. These neighbors claim to care but ask them how many they have buried. please be responsible and bring them indoors for protection.

    SECTION 15. COMPANION ANIMALS CREATING NUISANCE
    (A) No companion animal shall be allowed to unreasonably annoy humans, to endanger the life or health of other
    animals or persons acting lawfully, or to substantially interfere with the rights of others thereby interfering
    with the reasonable use and enjoyment of property. It shall be prima facie evidence of nuisance if a companion
    animal:
    (1) consistently and/or constantly makes excessive noise;
    (2) causes damage to or destruction of another’s property;
    (3) causes unsanitary, dangerous or offensive conditions, including the fouling of the air by offensive odor
    emanating from excessive excrement; or
    (4) creates a pest, parasite or scavenger control problem which is not effectively treated.
    (B) Upon receipt of an “Affidavit of Complaint,” signed by 2 or more unrelated county residents, each residing in
    separate dwellings in the vicinity in which the alleged violation occurred, made under oath or affirmation
    14before an individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments, setting forth the nature and the date of the
    act or acts, the owner of the companion animal, the address of the owner and description of the companion
    animal doing such act or acts, an Animal Control Officer shall conduct an investigation of the incident. In the
    discretion of the department, other reliable evidence may replace one of the required affidavits.

    Rhea

    2013.03.01
    10:01 pm
    

25. Seems like common sense, being polite and living by the golden rule might be a good approach. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.

    If you don’t want your neighbors dog coming onto your property potentially doing damage; don’t let your cat onto his/her property to potentially cause damage. While this case may be a bit different in that this cat was in a building, I would question the normalcy of this behavior from the cat owner. I am positive that her cats DO NOT stay locked in a garage 24/7. I agree with earlier comment that no animal should be left to run wild in an urban setting. There are way too many hazards to kill and injure them.

    Karen Baker

    2013.03.02
    10:14 am
    

26. Well said Karen. If everyone would think of others once in a while the world would be a great place. Just because you like cats or dogs does not automatically mean your neighbor does as well. Maybe they are allergic, have health issues or just don’t like them. Maybe they prefer to garden and don’t like the cats or dogs destroying or urinating on their plants. Why can’t people have differing opinions. The one thing I have noticed is the attitude from those saying if you don’t like it move to country. In all honesty. Those who prefer free roaming pets might do better in the country. It is much safer on your pets.

    Anonymous

    2013.03.02
    10:35 am
    

27. I just stated that in this case, Susan’s cat was in her own backyard and even in her garage. I was not extending the comment beyond any other parameter, any other day, or time.

    Also, the city rules regarding companion animals do not cover what the city has designated ” community cats”. These community cats, I believe, are the main issue. These are the abandoned felines that the rescue groups are trapping, vaccinating, spaying and neutering. It would be wonderful if some land could be set aside in a rural setting where these community cats could be relocated. Both the cats and the neighborhood would be happier. I do not know where this would be, but it would be a great idea.

    Randi

    2013.03.02
    3:23 pm
    

28. Community cats – what a joke. How about house cats – just in-house cats with responsible owners. Otherwise – how about no cats!!!! Roaming outside cats are a horrible idea, those who believe otherwise are selfish.

    Anonymous

    2013.03.02
    4:47 pm
    

29. 3:23 pm
    Could you please show us where the city refers to “community cats” in their ordinances?
    If you can’t I’ll have to believe it’s something you made up.

    Anonymous

    2013.03.02
    5:53 pm
    

30. City of Tampa Code of Ordinances Sec. 19-75. – Animals running at large.

    It is unlawful for an owner of an animal to permit the animal to run at large upon any public place or upon unenclosed lands or upon the premises of another person within the limits of the city.

    In case it is not clear let’s define:
    Sec. 19-71. – Definitions.

    (a)
    The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation of this division:
    Animal means every nonhuman species of animal, including aquatic, farm, domestic and wild animals.

    It is illegal for an owner to let ANY ANIMAL, including domestic and/or companion animal to run at large upon public land or the property of another.

    Of course cat people my very well argue that no one actually owns a cat, but rather the cat owns them, but that’s a discussion for another time.

    Anonymous

    2013.03.04
    10:18 am
    

31. I guess that means there’s no such thing as “community cats”.

    Anonymous

    2013.03.04
    6:04 pm
    

32. I know what to do, send the cat people to INDIA!
    They have community Cows, Monkeys, Rats (Believe it or not), Dogs, and I’m pretty sure CATS!

    Anonymous

    2013.03.04
    7:00 pm
    

33. Why is it that everyone is always right. There is always the live and let live crowd. As long as we all live by their rules. What every happened to neighborly courtesy? I don’t like sitting on urine soaked lawn furniture. Therefore, I don’t want stray cats on my property. I don’t mind if you have them. Just keep them off my property. Why is that so hard?

    Anonymous

    2013.03.04
    8:40 pm
    

34. That’s the problem 8:40PM. There’s no compromising anymore. We are all so polarized it’s shameful. I don’t think the majority of people would have a problem with a stray cat or few that rarely cause trouble, but in some parts of our neighborhoods there is an overpopulation that needs addressing. The occasional stray, or a once a season mess on the furniture or midnight cat fight would be quickly overlooked and forgotten. But even suggesting that there might be too many cats running amok gets one side all up in arms that we’re a bunch of murderous animal haters.

    Anonymous

    2013.03.05
    8:35 am
    

35. The first time I encountered the name “community cats” was in a resolution from the Board of County Comissioners. I just looked it up (resolution R11-135) I am not sure if the city has a similar ordinance.
    It really is not a term that I made up.

    Randi

    2013.03.05
    10:08 am
    

36. An interesting read…www .hillsboroughcounty. org/documentcenter/view/6542

    Anonymous

    2013.03.05
    10:44 am
    

37. First off, I’m a major cat lover.
    Have my own bunch of them and have always had them in my life. I REALLY love them. I like dogs, but cats are my thing.

    There is no way a cat can be kept in a yard. They can slip through small cracks, they can scale trees and fences. They want to roam. They are hunters.

    I think it’s folly to think you can have free roaming cats in an urban neighborhood like SH and expect them to not be a nuisance to others. They will poop and spray at will, often leaving behind offensive (to others) droppings and scents. They will howl at mating season or in cat fights. They will kill birds, etc.

    It’s also very dangerous for them in an urban environment. Cars, dogs, hateful people all will harm free roaming cats.

    Even in a rural farm-like setting, it can be touchy, with predatory animals. But cats have a better chance to free roam there.

    If you truly love your cats, you will keep them indoors TOTALLY. It’s the only thing that makes sense to me.

    Anonymous

    2013.03.05
    6:22 pm
    

38. 10:44 very interesting read. Thanks for sharing.

    Anonymous

    2013.03.05
    9:21 pm
    

39. What we really need to be discussing are tougher penalties for those who continue to hoard ferals while not fixing them. Renters and home owners that move and leave the cats behind. If there were consequences to their actions they might think twice. I applaud those who are trapping the cats. It takes much more courage and it is the right thing today. Trap on my fellow neighbors.

    Anonymous

    2013.03.05
    9:24 pm
    

40. Neighbors just wanted to update you on something that seems to be working. I had read on here that you could use antifreeze to deter strays. Evidently they lick the antifreeze, hate the taste so much they run off and tend to stay away.

    Since reading, I have put about 10 bowls of antifreeze around gardens that were being destroyed by cats. On a normal day there are 10 to 20 cats at any given time. Now there may be 2-3 on any given day. It seems to work well. They don’t seem to return.

    Anonymous

    2013.03.09
    9:35 pm
    

41. 9:35 pm
    I really don’t know what to say, you’re trolling, right?
    Google ‘Antifreeze and pets, dogs, cats, etc.
    If they’re not coming back, it may be because they’re DEAD!

    Anonymous

    2013.03.10
    6:38 am
    

42. Thanks, 9:35. I’ll try that method. Fucking cats are always fucking up my garden. I KEEL YOU, GODDAMN PUSSIES!

    Anonymous

    2013.03.10
    9:02 am
    

43. FYI just confirmed cat trapping group setting traps throughout the southeast quadrant of neighborhood. Make sure your cats are indoors and safe. If they come up missing check with Falkenburg Road shelter.

    Anonymous

    2013.03.17
    9:06 am