Streats

Vocal

October 27, 2004

 

Suggestion for strays unrealistic

 

I DISAGREE with some of the points made by Ms Christina Eng in her letter "A cat-management system is the answer" (Streats, October 25).

 

These cats have more than sufficient food and are living together harmoniously as a happy colony.  There is no need to hunt or fight over food.

 

Regarding sterilised female cats, if there are lots of food available, logically there is no need to defend territory and hunting is only for leisure.

 

It is evident that the growth of the cat population greatly exceeds the rate of capture.

 

Litters of cats are added every few months, they grow up healthy, some leave and come back later to give birth with the knowledge that ample food is available.

 

So far, pest controllers have not been effective in their efforts.  This is not surprising as we have at least four individuals feeding the same strays, sometimes on the same day.

 

Suggesting a cat-management system is idealistic.

 

A majority of stray feeders are irresponsible and stubborn.  To them, the thought of spaying their cats is cruel and the cost of capturing, transporting and sterilising their strays is definitely out of the question.

 

We are not law enforcers who can demand these individuals surrender their personal details or effectively stop their actions merely by advising them.

 

The majority of residents do not face any inconvenience and are indifferent or may view feeding strays as a kind act, thus condoning it.  Others choose to suffer in silence.

 

I have seen cats with clipped ears, which indicates they are neutered, pregnant at different locations in Toa Payoh.

 

This appears to have been done by stray lovers who will do anything to protect their cats - except the right thing, which would be to adopt one and take it home.

 

I am not hoping for a stray-free country or a campaign against the strays.  I have no objection to them if they are left to fend for themselves, a situation in which strays help catch pests for food and do not become pests, and the population is kept low through the present management system and minimal handouts.

 

It is unbearable when strays are fed till their numbers swell to an uncontrollable level because our present programmes are not effective enough.

 

By - Chew Loon Meng