Is it cruel to call Animal Rescue for stray cats in my neighborhood...? **UPDATE***

When we first moved in we noticed "some" cats but thought they belonged to one of the houses. Well, turns out they are all stray and have been living in a basement of one of the houses that seems to be abandoned. Some are in heat and make that HORRIBLE sound outside of our window morning, noon and night, and they have been using the front yard of the house we live in as their litter bos. So just imagine the STENCH!! I came out this morning to walk my dog and there were 15 of them (no joke) most kittens and a few grown. Looks like 2 of them had litters. They were so cute..but my god..now they have doubled. I can honestly say there are about 50 of them in my neighborhood alone.

Aside from the fact that I think it's SO CRUEL of people to leave animals in the street like that, I feel so bad for them. They all deserve a loving home and food to eat instead of picking through everyones garbage.

Is it cruel of me to call Animal Rescue?

**UPDATE** So I FINALLY got through and this is what I was told.
"Unfortunately we do not come out for loose stray cats. The only way we would come out is if they were "contained" in a box".

So basically if I want these animals rescued, I have to take a risk and gather them all in a box. YEAH OK....that won't be happening. I don't know if they have rabies, etc.

UNBELIEVABLE!!! So if there were a stray TIGER in my area..would I have to contain it also??

So much for trying to do the right thing.

Message edited 6/28/2007 9:39:50 AM.

Re: Is it cruel to call Animal Rescue for stray cats in my neighborhood...?

No, it's not cruel but I would call a no-kill shelter.

Re: Is it cruel to call Animal Rescue for stray cats in my neighborhood...?

Re: Is it cruel to call Animal Rescue for stray cats in my neighborhood...?

Re: Is it cruel to call Animal Rescue for stray cats in my neighborhood...?

No but call a no kill shelter. It would probably be better for them......

Re: Is it cruel to call Animal Rescue for stray cats in my neighborhood...?

it says on the website for AC&C:

Is the AC&C a 'no-kill' shelter?
Because of its contractual obligations and its open admissions policy, the AC&C humanely euthanizes terminally ill, suffering and severely injured animals. In addition, animals, which have bitten, trained to attack others, or have been identical to be inappropriate for placement are likewise humanely euthanized. Finally, as NYC's only open admissions shelter, at times an overpopulation of adoptable animals requires us to humanely euthanize animals after all adoption resources including foster care, other shelters and breed and other rescue groups have been exhausted.

I've bene on hold for over 30 minutes and they open at 8!!!!!!!

Re: Is it cruel to call Animal Rescue for stray cats in my neighborhood...? **UPDATE***

FM reggie -- she knows a lot about stray cat rescue

Re: Is it cruel to call Animal Rescue for stray cats in my neighborhood...? **UPDATE***

I second Daniella - FM Reggie, she is very up on this.
Also, you can contact the Suffolk County SPCA - I posted about this a few days ago. They may help you.

Re: Is it cruel to call Animal Rescue for stray cats in my neighborhood...? **UPDATE***

I don't live in Long Island. I live in the Bronx.

Re: Is it cruel to call Animal Rescue for stray cats in my neighborhood...? **UPDATE***

Re: Is it cruel to call Animal Rescue for stray cats in my neighborhood...? **UPDATE***

Please read my post:

tnr