Proposed Legistlation In NJ Could Make Cats "Exotic" And Hunted

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Yes you heard right. This idea by the New Jersey Game, Fish and Wildlife is not exactly a new one, as it was proposed as long ago as 2007. The whole idea is to change the status of feral and stray cats into "exotic" and dangerous animals that pose a threat to the natural wildlife in New Jersey, and by changing the status would allow people to hunt cats in the same manner as deer, rabbits, bear, etc. I think most people are aware that in many areas, there ARE large populations of feral and stray cats and yes perhaps considered a nuisance, however, the many TNR (trap, neuter, release) programs available have proven effective, in that by trapping the cats, spaying/neutering them then releasing does bring the cat population down. One such advocate of the TNR means is Alley Cat Allies, a forerunner in this program. To do the TNR method is also more cost effective, rather than the other means of dealing with the feral/stray cat issue, which is for Animal Care and Control to trap, bring to a shelter then euthanized--to do this latter method means that these feral/stray cats in effect take up shelter space in a system already bulging to the seams with unwanted cats, and little or zero hope of them being adopted out. I just plain don't think passing legislation to include feral/stray cats as "wildlife" and can be hunted down is the answer. The rational of the people proposing this idea is that feral cats interfere with the natural wildlife of New Jersey by hunting rodents, rabbits and birds. Like duh? I see this as a natural order of the chain cycle, and especially in the case of rodents keeps the population down of such animals--one only has to remember what happened in the Medieval period of history where cats were rounded up and killed due to superstitions of the time that cats were evil and witches familiars...what happened? Since the cats were killed off the rat population went rampart, and created the devastating Black Death since the rats were carriers of the Bubonic Plague. as I see it too, if such legislation is passed, I almost guarantee that sooner or later domestic cats belonging to people will become the unfortunate victims. Yes, in my opinion, cats should be kept indoors when they belong to someone, but often cat owners will allow their cats to go outdoors to roam, and also, even when pet owners do confine their cats indoors sometimes there is the chance of the cat(s) escaping. If you're interested in reading up more about this proposed plan just google Legislation Proposed For Cats To Be Hunted In New Jersey, not only will you find articles but many petitions to sign should you wish to do so. Here is one such article, and with it is a link to the on-line contact form to the NJ Fish, Game and Wildlife should you wish to voice your opinion http://lovemeow.com/2010/03/new-jersey-considering-making-feral-cat-hunting-legal/ So what's your opinion?...do you think this legislation quite frankly sucks like I do? Do you think cats should be hunted down like "exotic" wildlife?