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Feral Cats Growing Grave Public Health Threat - Key US Study
Among key findings of this US study:
Free roaming cats are an important source of animal-transmitted, serious diseases such as rabies, toxoplasmosis, and plague. Free roaming cats account for the most cases of human rabies exposure among domestic animals, and are the source for one-third of rabies post-exposure treatments in the United States. Because of inconsistent incident reporting, that number is likely an underestimate of the actual cases of rabies exposure. Trap, neuter, and release (TNR) programs may lead to increased, un-inoculated populations of cats that can serve as a source of transmittable serious diseases. The study found that since 1988, rabies has been detected more frequently in cats than in dogs; in 2008, the number of cats detected with rabies was four times higher than dogs. In 2010, rabies cases declined for all domestic animals except cats, which comprised 62 percent of all rabies cases for domestic animals. "This is a significant study that documents serious wildlife and public health issues associated with 125 million outdoor cats in the United States. Decision-making officials need to start looking at the unintended impacts these animals have on both the environment and human health when they consider arguments to sanction Trap, Neuter, and Return (TNR) cat colonies. These colonies are highly detrimental to cats, wildlife, and people, and only serve to exacerbate the cat overpopulation problem," said Darin Schroeder, Vice President for Conservation Advocacy at American Bird Conservancy…." http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/feral-cat-disease.html#cr Highlights 106 Beverley St. TorontoThe tenant in Unit 308 operates a Trap-Neuter-Return and shelter Feral Cat program out of the unit bringing serious and dangerous diseases onto the premises. There have been at least six such cats in the unit since April 1st 2014
Written and verbal complaints were to the Landlord, yet they continue to permit and support these activities despite the serious health risks and legal violations (copies submitted) The Landlord obstructs due process, condones and acts culpably with the tenant in violating municipal by-laws; and possibly Criminal Codes (Sec 349-9) - Theft and Possession Stolen Property) The Landlord has a history of willful neglect, non-compliance and sub-standard health protocols, as also evidenced by an on-going bedbug infestation for years. The tenant also conducts a TNR for Feral Cats from the Unit. Thus from time to time she also invariably keeps cats that are more attractive. Often times captured cat (s) - to be returned - are also kept on the premises for extended thereby also violating the six cat restriction. |
So what is the law? What is a wild animal?
Feral derives from the Latin term “Farae Natrae” meaning “wild by nature”
First, the CDC and all other known international bodies classify Feral cats being wild animals as they are legally “Farae Natrae” Moreover, US courts provide further guidance. “As contrasted to domestic animals (domitae naturae), wild animals (ferae naturae), are those species of animals that, as a matter of common knowledge, are naturally ferocious, unpredictable, dangerous, mischievous, or ... not by custom devoted to the service of mankind at the time and in the place in which it is kept." Therefore using these guiding international legal and scientific standards, feral cats are classified as wild animals and should not be sheltered or any way be allowed enter or reside in a dwelling in the Municipality of Toronto. “§ 349-2. Keeping of certain animals prohibited. Subject to § 349-4, no person shall keep, either on a temporary or permanent basis, any prohibited animal in the City . “ Further Under Chapter 349 Schedule A Mammals; Felidae are specifically prohibited by the by-laws. Such form of animal includes all forms of large and small wild animal cats. And Feral cats as noted are classified as wild animals by all legal international bodies. Including the CDC. The Unit 308 tenant is in clear violation of this by- law What then becomes murky is who has authority over this issue - Toronto's Animal Services or Board of Health. In light of all the international scientific evidence this is a grave human concern where absolute unfettered jurisdiction must be given to the Board. The City of Toronto need to rise to international health standards and protect its communities and children from the growing feral cat and dangerous toxoplasmosis threats. Positive policy action and implementation must be effected immediately, beginning with protecting public sandlots and playgrounds where our children play as recommended by the CDC for individual Americans. Why should our kids not enjoy the same safeguards? |
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