HomeMy WebLinkAbout21-Animal Control
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO - REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
8-11-97
Subject: Ordinance setting forth definitions for
Control Title 6; prohibiting the sale of animals in
public places; and requirin9 the licensing and
f 0BlG.liiAL rabies vaccinations of cats.
From:
Deborah L. 8iggs
Director of Animal
Animal Control
Dept:
Synopsis of Previous Council action:
8-11-97: Passed by Legislative Review Committee
Recommended motion:
Adopt ordinance
~~
Signature
Contact person: Deborah L. Bi ggs
Phone: x5048
Supporting data attached: Staff report; proposed ordi nance Ward:
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
Amount:
NA
Source: (ACCT. NO.)
(ACCT. DESCRIPTION)
Finance:
Council Notes:
c;a IJ I~ I +t.HI ../J; q
15.0262
Rlff/ '17
Agenda Item NO.~ /.
.,,';,
STAFF REPORT ---- CAT LICENSING PROPOSAL
INTRODUCTION
In 1988, a cat licensing proposal was brought forward to the Legislative Review Committee and
then to the Mayor and Common Council. The first reading of the ordinance passed 7-0; the
second reading "failed" 3-3 (one member absent).
One of the reasons the ordinance failed to pass was the fact that it appeared, the only reason to
pass the ordinance was to produce revenue.
There is no doubt that additional revenue for the city is the primary reason and motivating factor
behind presenting this proposal at this time. During the recent budget deliberations the Ad Hoc
Budget Committee encouraged the Mayor and Common Council to come up with funding
sources that were not just a "one time, short term fix". Cat licensing was one of the
recommendations on the list of revenue sources submitted by the Committee to the Mayor and
Common Council.
Animal Control is not just dogs; it also includes cats. In 1980, the State Legislature enacted a
law that requires shelters to hold all stray cats for a minimum of 72 hours (Food and Agriculture
Code 31752). Further, Penal Code 597fplaces requirements that can be a financial burden on
Animal Control regarding the handling and disposition of injured cats.
Consider this:
Cats comprise almost one-third of the animals received at the animal shelter.
The number of reported cat bites, which Animal Control is required to investigate,
increased 25.7% from 1995 to 1996.
The number of cats quarantined at the shelter for rabies observation increased 31.8%
from 1995 to 1996.
All these activities cost money; yet cat owners have been enjoying the benefits and services of
Animal Control without contributing toward the cost of providing these services. It is the dog
owners who carry the majority of the financial burden for providing these services.
Additionally, complaints received by staff relating to cats occur daily. Most always, our
response is, "I'm sorry, there is nothing we can do". This proposal will provide an additional
enforcement tool to use when necessary to abate complaints when numerous cats from one
residence are a neighborhood nuisance.
Although the composition of the Animal Advisory Commission has changed since 1988, their
opinion on cat licensing has not. They still endorse and support cat licensing as a form of
revenue enhancement as well as an enforcement tool for Animal Control.
Cities and counties with regulations on cat licensing include:
Belmont (1994); Lake Elsinore (1996); Sacramento (1994); Seal Beach (1970); La Verne
(approx. 1992); LA County (year unknown...no active enforcement yet, e.g. citations for non-
compliance). Sonoma County requires rabies vaccinations for cats (1994).
SUMMARY OF CAT LICENSING PROPOSAL
This proposal:
*
Requires all cats to be licensed
*
Requires all cats to be vaccinated against rabies as a prerequisite to licensing
*
Provides for lower licensing fee (via separate resolution): $9.00 altered; $18.00 unaltered
(same as for dogs)
*
Provides for a lower fee for the first 180 days after effective date of ordinance to
encourage voluntary compliance ($5.00 altered; $10.00 unaltered)
*
Provides for a 180 day "grace period" for compliance. For example, if the cat owner
cannot produce a valid rabies certificate, staff will issue a one-year license, as a courtesy.
If the cat owner does not possess a certificate of sterility, a license will be issued based
upon the owner's "word" that the cat is spayed/neutered.
*
Provides for a 180 day period in which citations will not be issued for non-compliance.
*
Provides for a 180 day period in which the $10.00 delinquent penalty will not be applied.
This proposal will:
*
Provide additional funds to Animal Control, thus relieving the fmancial burden currently
being placed on the General Fund. While the General Fund will provide less than 15%
of the department's FY 97-98 budget, those dollars will be freed up to be used elsewhere
in the city.
*
Reduce the cost of housing and maintaining cats at the shelter. Animals with
identification will be returned to their owners quickly. Presently, less than 1 % of stray
cats are returned to their owners (31 of 3404 stray cats in FY97).
*
Reduce the euthanasia rate of cats, thus relieving some of the stress on the shelter staff
who must kill these cats if their owner or a new home cannot be found.
This proposal is NOT:
*
A leash law--there are no restrictions regarding the strict confinement of cats.
*
A limit on the number of cats a resident can have--indoors or out--on their property.
*
A proposal requiring that cats wear a collar and a tag at all times. It does, however,
require that all cats have identification at all times, either by a collar and tag or
microchip, tatoo, ear tag or other permanent identification devises approved by the
department.
FISCAL IMPACT
During the first six (6) months, there will be no active enforcement and fees will be reduced.
Penalties for non-compliance take effect on day 181. Very conservative estimates are:
Year 1:
First 6 months
1600 altered @ $5.00 =
400 unaltered @ $10.00
$8,000
$4,000
Second 6 months
2800 altered @ $9.00 = $25,200
1200 unaltered @ $18.00 $21,600
4000 penalties @ $10.00 - $40.000
Less part-time salaries/MS&S
(2 pIt license checkers @ 19
hours to assist with processingl
computer data input.)
$98,800
<$18,400>
First Year Total
$80,400
Year 2
7000 altered @ $9.00 = $63,000
3000 unaltered @ $18.00 =$54,000
4000 penalties @ $10.00 = $40.000
$156,000
Less full time & part time MS&S
(2 pit license checkers ( as above)
+ 1 fIt animal control officer.)
<$58.000>
Second Year Total
$99,000
2 Year Projection
$179,400
Civic Collection, Inc., our canvassing vendor, has agreed to provide the dissemination of
information and assist in the enforcement of collections.
1
2
3
ORDINANCE NO.
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ADDING SECTIONS
6.04.160 AND 6.04.170 AND CHAPTER 6.25 TO THE SAN BERNARDINO
MUNICIPAL CODE SETTING FORTH DEFINITIONS FOR TITLE 6, PROHIBITING
THE SALE OF ANIMALS IN PUBLIC PLACES, AND REQUIRING THE LICENSING
AND RABIES VACCINATION OF CATS.
4
5
6
THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: /
.I'
c
"
SECTION 1. section 6.04.160 is added to the San Sernardino
/
tI
,/
I'
,s
10 As used in this title, the following definition~~hall apply:
~.
11 Animal includes but is not limited to poultrY~birds, reptiles,
I
12 p
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
7
8 Municipal Code to read as follows:
9
Definitions.
"6.04.160
fishes, and non-human mammals.
Breeder means a person or persons who
'breed dogs and/or cats
for show, sale, exchange, or to be
iven free of charge.
Cat means any domestic cat belonging tokhe species Felis domestica
!
of either sex, altered or unalt~ied.
I
Decartment means the City of San Bprnardino Department of Animal
Control, its agents or deput'es.
20 designee.
Director shall mean the Directo
of Animal Control, or his/her
21 Doa means a Canis familiaris f either sex, altered or unaltered.
22 Euthanasia means the humane estruction of an animal accomplished
23 by a method that inv
24 immediate death, or
yes instantaneous unconsciousness and
method that causes painless loss of
25 consciousness, and
26 Fancier means a person
27
28
during such loss of consciousness.
owns, harbors or keeps within, on, or
1
1 adjoining a private residence, between four (4) and ten (10)
2 dogs, cats, or any combination thereof.
3 Neuter means to render a male dog or cat unable to reproduce.
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Owner/Caretaker means any person having custody, possession or
interest in an animal; or who permits the harboring or keeping
of an animal on his or her premises are or
sustenance to an animal for a period of 14 days
Person means an individual, firm or corporation.
Shelter means a facility which is used to house stray,
homeless, abandoned or unwanted animals owned,
operated or maintained an incorporated
humane society or animal welfare organ'zation.
~ means to remove the ovaries and ute of a female dog or cat
in order to render said animal un 'Ie to reproduce."
f'
SECTION 2. section 6.04.170 is''dded to the San Bernardino
l
Municipal Coda to read as follows:
"6.04.170 Sale or adoption of
(A) It shall be unlawful for to sell, offer for sale,
adopt or give away any an' al on any public street, sidewalk,
park or place. ion shall not apply to incorporated
humane societies/anima welfare organizations.
(B) Any person seeking to find a home for any stray animal which
was found in the ci must first report the found animal to
the department an obtain an Advertising Identification
Number. They must then place a found ad in a local newspaper
for a minimum of hree days seeking to find the rightful
2
1 owner. If after placement of the ad the owner has not
2 responded, the finder of the stray animal is authorized to
3 find a home for the animal. The Advertising Identification
4 Number must be displayed in all advertisements for said
5 animal.
Chapter 6.25 is added t
to
6 (Cl It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or
city except in
7
find a home for any stray animal found
8 the manner set forth in 6.04.l70(Bl."
the San Bernardino
9
10 Municipal Code to read as follows:
SECTION 3.
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
sections:
6.25.010
6.25.020
6.25.030
6.25.040
6.25.041
6.25.150
6.25.160
6.25.170
"
I
/
"
,/
"Chapter 6.25
;'
/
CATS
i
f
,
i
/
i
License required.
License and t,q required.
License - Application.
License - I~uance.
Electron?t:c nd other identification allowed.
Rabies vac ination requirement - Certificate.
Vaccinati n requirement.
Exemptio from rabies vaccination during
illness!
It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to own,
23
24
25
26
27
28
A.
6.25.010
21 harbor, possess or keep or have in his/her care, charge, custody or
22 control any cat wit in the city, except as provided in this
chapter, without sec ring a license therefor, and maintaining a tag
thereon,as specifi
in this chapter.
6.25.020 Lic nse and tag required.
firm or corporation within the city who owns,
3
1 harbors or has custody or control of a cat shall obtain an annual
2 license and tag for the cat. License fees are payable in advance.
3 If the appropriate fee is not paid when due, a delinquency penalty
4 shall be added to the fee. A fee shall be charged for any
5 additional tag issued to replace a lost, stolen, misplaced or
6 damaged tag. A fee shall be charged for the transfer of
7 of a licensed cat to a new owner in lieu of a fee for a
8 which shall be valid for the remainder of a licen
9 which the transfer occurs. If a cat has a curr
10 another licensing jurisdiction and a current
11 said license shall be recognized by the cit
12 transfer fee.
13 B. If any person, firm or corporat' n acquires the ownership,
14 custody or control of a cat, the new 0 er shall obtain the license
15 required by this title within one m th of acquiring the cat if the
16 cat is then of the age of four mo hs or older, or within one month
17 after such cat attains the age f four months. The license shall
18 expire the same month as e expiration month of the rabies
19 vaccination. The nse fee for a cat may be prorated so as
20 to expire at the same as the rabies vaccination expiration.
21 6.25.030 License
22 No license for a cat, as provided in this chapter, shall be
23 issued except upon a application to authorized agents and
24 employees of the C the name and address of the
25 owner, or possesso of the cat with a brief description of the cat.
26 6.25.040 License - Issuance.
27
28
license
license from
vaccination,
payment of a
4
1 Authorized employees and agents of the city, upon the receipt
2 of application and license fee, shall issue and deliver to such
3 owner or possessor a license certifying the payment of the license
4 fee, and setting forth the name and address of the applicant, a
5 brief description of the cat and the tag number allotted to such
6 cat. The tag shall at all times be affixed to the harness
7 or any other article worn by such cat, except in this
8 chapter. No license for a cat shall be
9 shall have paid the license fee required
10 to authorized employees or agents of the
11 rabies vaccination of the cat signed by
12 6.25.041 Electronic and other
13 Cats with microchip implants
14 identification approved
15 wear a collar and tag. All oth
16 chapter shall apply to
17 6.25.150 on required - Certificates.
18 A. r corporation who owns, harbors, keeps
19 or possesses, or has car , charge, custody or control of any cat
20 four months of age or 0 der shall cause such cat to be vaccinated
21 against rabies by under the direction of any licensed
22 veterinarian, approved by the state
23 Department of for use in cats. Such vaccinations
24 shall be repeated intervals specified by the State Department of
25 Heal th Services order to maintain adequate immunity. Compliance
26 with the rabies accination provisions shall be a condition to the
27
28
all have exhibited
ity a certificate of
veterinarian.
allowed.
other forms of permanent
tment shall not be required to
licensing requirements of this
5
1 issuance or renewal of a cat license.
2 B. Each licensed veterinarian who vaccinates, causes, or
3 directs to be vaccinated any animal with a rabies vaccine shall
4 complete and sign a rabies certificate in triplicate. The
5 veterinarian shall keep one copy and shall give one copy to the
6 owner or keeper of the vaccinated animal. The veterinarian shall
6.25.160
vaccination requirement.
r corporation to own or
7
8
9
10
11
12 harbor any cat which has not been vacc~~ted as required by and in
13 the manner set forth in sectionz.25 (50.
14 6.25.170 Exemption for rabies accination during illness.
15 Notwithstanding any other ovisions of this chapter, a cat
"
16 need not be vaccinated for rab;les during an illness if a licensed
17
18
submit to Animal Control a legible copy of
five days of the beginning of each month,
during the previous month.
It is unlawful for any person, firm
such vaccina":ion should
e postponed because of
a
specified
veterinarian has examined
cat and certified in writing that
19 illness.
Old age, deb' ity, and pregnancy are not considered
20 contra indications to r Exemption certificates
21 are subject to approv of the Animal Control Department and shall
22 be valid only for
23 vaccination
24 requirement...
e duration of the illness.
Exemption from
exempt the cat from the licensing
25
26
27
28
6
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19 /
20 /
21 /
22 /
23 /
24 /
25 /
26 /
27
28
SECTION 4. Notwithstanding any provision of Section 3 of this
ordinance:
1. citations for violations of Chapter 6.25 shall not be
2.
3.
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
issued for 180 days after the effective date of this
ordinance.
Residents who do not have a certificate of sterility may,
within 180 days of the effective date of this ordinance,
obtain an altered cat license by signing a statement
the reduced licensing fee.
indicating that the surgery was
but a
certificate was not issued by the vet
days, proof of sterility shall be
Residents who do not
a rabies vaccination
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
certificate may obtain a 0 e year license without proof
of vaccination for 180 ~s after the effective date of
this ordinance. Aft,? 180 days, a valid rabies
vaccination certifi~te must be presented in accordance
l
with section 6.25/i50.
/
/
f
/
I
I
l
7
1 ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ADDING SECTIONS
6.04.;160 AND 6.04.170 AND CHAPTER 6.25 TO THE SAN BERNARDINO
2 MUNICIPAL CODE SETTING FORTH DEFINITIONS FOR TITLE 6, PROHIBITING
3 THE S~LE OF ANIMALS IN PUBLIC PLACES, AND REQUIRING THE LICENSING
AND RABIES VACCINATION OF CATS.
4 I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing ordinance was duly adopted by
5 the Mayor and Common Council of the City of San Bernardino at a
6
7
day of
meeting thereof, held on the
, 1997 by the following vote, to wit:
l'
l
k4"
/!
/"
/
-II"
~l.
l
I
8 Council Members
AYES
NAYS
9 NEGRETE
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
CURLIN
ARIAS
OBERHELMAN
DEVLIN
ANDERf30N
MILLER
/
,J
,f
/
f
21
22
The foregoing
day of
Aproved as to form
23 and legal content:
24
25
26
27
28
By:
8
ABSTAIN
ABSENT
RACHEL CLARK
City Clerk
approved this
TOM MINOR, Mayor
City of San Bernardino
U, 1)'~1 ~U~ U~:,jJ r~~ J~lIJl~U4J~
Kt..liU.\ViJ oc..-\.t rt
I::: A- )(
FI(()M : r. J. (?;l17fA~/ .Jr. / :Isabel (J, Ch(!'!!7
-;-0; &/1 &r-na.dlltt'J C/f,/ C"oI'4'1c,;1
8e/(y J ~t7'/ A"ckr..f~'1
f(,' fA. A,,".rf
Frederidc J, C~r!t.",
Jerrr lJerJ/;-~
Nt)/"ill.<:, HI/kr
&:! wa~ /I, .A.Je,J/"efe
iJ.fllJid ob f?l'he/ 1Itt::1;,
~l.ji)l
B -/7-97
,.--'\
" .,
.D ea r C.o '-1 VI c/I J11 (-' /J1 ie /,..f "
, 1
L.uc: ~ r Iv .-ti. ~ ~ fI!..<
. ~ a:.d 6{ 14
~'cd-~~~~r1~
1ea:t~~~L~~~
f~ uoh /lJ1) #It -M ~~/!
Entered into Record.. ! /
Council/CmyDevCms Mfg: 8 It 17
by
re Agenda Item 2. /
~;f, ~
~ity Clerk/CDC Secy
City of San Bernardino
'6-1 'j';97
#2(
.
. ,
by
re Agenda Item
90../
World's Largest Registry of Pedigreed Cats
CFA Executive Board
loan Miller
Director.AI.Large
Chainnan, CFA Heallh Committee
Member, CFA Legislative Committee
6257 Gordon Valley Road
Sulsun, CA 94585
707.427.1807 Fax: 707.427.1808
14 August 1997
q~~
City Clerk/COC Secy
L . LegislathliBp1lt::teiaum8tdino
First Ward Councilman Edward Negrete
Second Ward Councilman Frederick J. Curlin
MEMO TO:
SUBJECT:
Proposed Cat Licensing for the City of San Bernardino
Councilmen and Committee members;
On behalf of the Cat Fanciers' Association (CF A), I am writing to express our opposition to a plan to
collect fees from cat fimcierslowners in the City of San Bernardino in the form of cat licensing and rabies
vaccination requirements.
CF A is a non-profit organization founded in 1906 with numerous clubs and participants in Southern
California as well as all over the United States, Canada, Japan, Europe and other parts of the world. We
are concerned with the numbers of cats handled and euthanised in shelters and the disturbing rate of
relinqniohment of cats who were once wanted. These problems will not, however, be solved by imposing
a tax on owners of cats. In fact, this approach is counterproductive to the work of cat fimciers who want to
encourage more acceptance ofunowned cats. We are in favor of voluntary identificatioo of cats who are
allowed uncontrolled access to the outdoors but stroogly oppose assessing respoosible cat owners. The
cost burden with the inevitable lack of compliance, except through expensive and intrusive methods, are
primary reasoos why cat licensing has not been successful in other areas.
We became aware of this proposal yesterday and understand that it will be 011 the agenda of the City
Council meeting scheduled for Monday August 18, 1997. We urge you to reject this plan and to seek other
solutions. Though cat fimciers have attempted to communicate with the San Bernardino City Animal
Control agency they have not been able to obtain necessary data and information to fully analyze specific
conditioos in this City. We are aware that the County handles through its various shelters/Animal Control
agencies the second largest numbers of cats in all of California. Compared to other counties, there is a low
rate of adoption, extremely low rate of cats reclaimed by owners, high rate of cats captured by Animal
Control and a fairly high rate of cats surrendered by owners and the public as well as the second highest
number of dead cats collected. Has there been an analysis of data for the City? If the problems of the City
are similar to the County at large then many other programs should be instituted prior to coercive
legislation.
Attached is an outline ofCFA's objectioos to a cattax/license in San Bernardino. Please contact me if you
would like further information.
~.
Respectfully, ~
Joan Miller, A Legislative Coordinator
707/427-1807
2' -I f'-17
::/J~Jt;f1
CFA's Main Office. PO Box 1005. Manasquan NJ 08736-0805.908-528-9797. Fax 908-5287391
page two, 8/14/97
Cat Fanciers' Association
CFA OPPOSITION TO A CAT TAX IN
THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
Cost and compliance: The financial burden of implementing and monitoring a cat tax will be significant
for the City and taxpayers. Has a fiscal analysis been prepared? The City of San Bernardino is reported to
have, similar to other cities, large numbers of freeroaming/Wlowned/feral cats. These cats are estimated
in other areas to be 40% of the tota1 cat population. None of these cats have owners to comply with fees,
fines and other requirements. Individuals willing to care for Wlowned cats need encouragement and
assistance with low cost or free neuter/spay and other expenses. Bureaucratic requirements for caregivers
are a deterrent to those willing to take respoosibi1ity for these freeroaming and reproducing cats. The result
of a cat tax is that these cats may be abandoned rather than accepted. They will continue to reproduce,
adding more burden to the shehers.
The only reliable base for cat license fee expectations are those cats adopted from shehers. When sheher
adoption numbers are low, as in San Bernardino, this base is weak. Cat owners in surveys usually are
supportive of cat identification and want their cats to be returned to their homes, but license fee
requirements generally are rejected. The cat owning public makes a distinction. Therefore, expensive door
to door canvassing and other intrusive methods will be necessary for the City to expect enough revenue to
offset the large start up costs, administrative procedures, software, renewal notices, follow up and other
bureaucratic costs. Recent data from San Mateo COWlty shows only 2,325 cats were licensed in FY 95/96.
Cats adopted in the coWltywere 1,594 in 1995 (95 annual State report) indicating that there were only
approximately 700 cats, other than those adopted from shehers, licensed in the entire coWlty. With
doubtful revenue in San Bernardino the expense to implement and enforce a cat tax will be significant and
could be put into programs which would benefit cats.
Dog license compliance: Dog licensing compliance has been dismal throughout the COWltry. Dogs were
originally licensed in California to enforce rabies requirements and now funds are expected to pay for
Animal Control costs. In San Bernardino COWlty by using a formula ofhurnan population (1,870,500) and
percent of households with dogs our estimated number of dogs is 1,076,117. According to the 1995 State
Rabies report 114,018 dogs were licensed COWlty wide. This is less than 12% compliance. Dog owners
do not carry the burden of Animal Control services as only a small number of dog owners are willing to be
taxed in San Bernardino CoWlty. The City can expect cat licensingltaxation to be an even greater firilure.
Animal Control is a community service: The vast majority of cats handled in shehers are not owned.
They are freeroaming strays and kittens surrendered who are too yoWlg to survive. San Bernardino data
shows a high number of cats who are dead and collected. Stopping the reproduction of stray cats and
providing support for animal control is a commWlity problem rather than one to be paid for by responsible
cat owners. Five studies in the United States show that 85% of all owned cats are already neutered/spayed,
reflecting the trend of cat owners to do what is best for their pets when given opportWlity and incentive.
The people of the City of Spokane, Washington recognized that when they approved by a 55% vote an
initiative that requires 0.001% of the city's general fund to be used solely for spaying and neutering dogs
and cats residing within city limits. San Jose, California, has had success with a free neuter/spay voucher
program investing funds to stop the reproduction now and thereby reduce animal control costs in the future.
The San Francisco SPCA has initiated many innovative incentive based programs including free
neuter/spay for the ferallWlowned cats in the City. CommWlity support and funding is strong. Trap, Test,
page three
Vaccinate, Aher, Return and Maintain (TIV AR-M) programs all over the country are beginning to show
results in stopping random mating of unowned cats.
Reclaim of cats and identification: There is no evidence that a cat tax on owners will increase the return
of cats from shelters. Data indicates that a higher than usual percentage of cats in San Bernardino shelters
are captured by Animal Control or surrendered by owners/public. These are not cats who will be
reclaimed. CF A favors voluntary identification of any cats allowed to roam outdoors. Mandatory
identification, however, through licensing is impractical. There is currently no method to reliably and/or
visibly identify cats to insure compliance with a law. The safe breakaway collars come off, as designed,
and must be replaced. The onlyeartags developed (patent pending) show great promise but they have been
modified within the last 5 months and are currently being re-tested and are not yet marketed. The problems
related to microchip scanners and uniform reliabi1ity have not been solved. Ear tattoos are painful to the
cat when executed. Inside flank tattoos have not been accepted as viable identification because shelters
have difficuhy finding the marks. CF A encourages a safe collar and tag at this time and believes microchip
insertion is satisfactory in certain circumstances. We anticipate the eartags to be eventually a good option
and we believe identification will be better accepted by the public when there is no fee, threat of intrusion in
the home or fear of limit laws attached to the concept. San Bernardino could be a model city for a new
identification educational program. CF A would welcome the opportunity to help.
Rahies protection for cats: Veterinary care, including rabies vaccination, should be decided by an
animal's owner and veterinarian after considering the exposure risk and the potential side effects of
vaccination. Because of the awareness in the last few years of rabies vaccination related to vaccine site
fibrosarcomas in cats, a national task force (including the A VMA and USDA) was formed to investigate.
The recently published task force recommendations include the statement that "Administration of any
vaccine should proceed only after considering the medical significance and zoonotic potential of the
infectious agent, the patient's risk of exposure, and relevant legal requirements". Cat fanciers who keep
their cats inside/confined outdoors do not wish to expose their cats to a life threatening condition, even one
of low incidence, when it is not necessary. Those cats at most risk of rabies exposure are the
unownedlfreeroaming cats, unaffected by licensing/rabies requirements. Targeted educational programs
and prevention in the few actual areas where rabies exposure may occur would be a more effective
approach. There is no rabies crisis in California to warrant vaccination of all cats regardless of risk.
Enforcement: Because cat owners will not comply with a mandatory tax, we fear that enforcement by
animal control agencies will necessarily be selective and harassment driven. As in other communities, the
tax will be increased once owners are identified. The fear and resentment which develops within a
community when door to door canvassing and other methods are instituted is detrimental to the
encouragement and enjoyment of cat ownership. Laws which assume widespread disobedience, or which
can only be selectively enforced, tend to lessen the respect of people for our institutions and the letter of the
law.
Again, we urge you to reject a mandatory cat tax in the form of cat licensing.
Joan Miller
CF A Legislative Coordinator
707/427-1807
. ~ FA C
~ ~ .)..
u .. rj!
The Cat Fanciers' Assocation, Inc.
TTV ARl\I1
Trap, Test, Vaccinate, Alter, Releue, Maintain (TTVARM):
A solution to the problem of free-roaming animals, and diseases they may carry, is known as Trap,
Test, Vaccinate, Alter, Release and Maintain (TTVARM). This type of program has been endorsed by
The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc., San Francisco SPCA, the Orange County, California SPCA, The
National Pet Alliance, Alley Cat Allies and many other animal organizations. We believe that feral cats
should be trapped, tested for diseases, given medical care and vaccinations (only euthanized if
extremely ill), placed for adoption (if young kittens or tamable adults), altered and released into areas
where there are "care-givers" who can maintain them. This approach was developed in America over
the last 6 to 8 years and is gaining support. Stabili:t:ing and maMging j".alIU1UJfJIIUd cat colonies IuIps
reduce unwankd reproduction and controls disease, whi14 ~ resPed for the humane treatment of cats.
Reproduction intervention of unowned cats ultimately saves the taxpayers money.
The Cat Fanciers' Association is proud to be co-sponsoring. along with the American Humane
Association, a ground breaking national scientifIC workshop entitled "A Critical Evaluation of Free-
Roaming/Unowned/Feral Cats in the United States' August 9-11, 1996, in Denver, Colorado.
TrVARM programs, rather than legislation directed toward the already responsible pet owners and
pedigreed cat breeders, are a more cost effective and effICient means to solve the problems created
because of random reproduction of unowned/feral cats. In 1994, the Humane Society of Santa Clara,
California stated that over,,7% of the cats euthanized in their shelter were feral/free roaming cats.- In
Stanford California, at Stanford University in Palo Alto, the Stanford Cat Network succeeded in
creating a zero population growth rate through the use of a TTVARM program. -
. (s.. IMso Survey uui AaalY". .r dM P.e p.,..&uioa. J....." _d t..w.Il...l....)
.,
~. F A C
~ ~ ,?\
u __ rJ'.
Spay/Neuter
The Cat Fanciers'
Assocation,
Inc.
The existence of unwanted cats ia one of the major problema involving companion animals in the United
States. The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc. (CF A), has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing the number of
unwanted cats eutbanized in too country. To relay that message to the general public, CFA has produced
bumper stickers and public service announcements for radio. These announcements and bumper stickers
encourage the neutering and spaying of cats and promote responsible animal care.
Surgical altering ia the only foolproof and permanent method of birth control for cats. A spay is the
surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries of a female animal. A female cat's riak of getting mammary
cancer is reduced when it is spayed before its fU"st heat cycle. Neutering ia the surgical removal of the
testicles of a male animal. Neutering a male cat generally prevents the development of mating behavior
such as spraying urine to mark territory. Interestingly, a new policy has recently emerged regarding early
spay/neuter of young kittens. This policy is endorsed by the American Humane Association, American
Veterinary Medical Association, Spay USA. American Animal Hospital Association, Winn Feline
Foundation. CFA and other animal organizations. CFA and others encourage the use of early spay/neuter
for kittens from shelters. This will ensure that all kittens from shelters are altered prior to leaving the
shelter. thus eliminating the need for contracts and follow up.
When early spay/neuter is not utilized, CFA supports the policy of the Humane Society of the United
States (HSUS) in its Guidelines for Responsible Pet Adoptions (1/90). This policy states that, "shelter(s)
must be able to confU"m that at least ninety (90%) of its adopted animals are sterilized to ensure that the
shelter itselfia not contributing to the pet overpopulation problem." We must continue to insist that local
shelters and animal control agencies alter all cats prior to adoption or require a written sterilization
agreement. (The agreement should contain a deposit requirement and language requiring the owner to
alter cats/kittens within 30 days of adoption or by their +th-6th month estimated birth clate.) There must
be provisions for strict follow through and/or penalties with the above. Currently, compliance by people
adopting pets from animal agencies is estimated to be only 60%. Improvement in too area will have a
great impact on reducing a major source of the shelter population. These requirements should be
vigorously enforced before any coercive legislation is even considered. (The state of Texas adopted this
policy through legislation passed in 1992 and other states have followed.)
Neuter/spay progralD8 must be directed toward the main sources of unwanted .n;m.I.: unowned/feral
cats; unaltered cats that are allowed to roam and randonily mate; and, cats that are mated
indiscriminately but purposefully (i.e., not a part of a recognized breeding program).
We also consider it the responsibility of conscientious breeders of pedigreed cats to take all appropriate
steps to ensure that animals placed by them, not specifically intended to be used in a recognized breeding
program, be altered before any opportunity to mate. The success rate of our breeders should not be less
than those proposed by the HSUS for shelters. Pet stores, rescue groups and any others who place cats
must also ensure similar sterilization compliance.
Pedi~eed cat breeders have used sterilization contracts and follow UP for at least is vears
with a hie:h rate of success. .,
-.......
THE CAT FANCIERS' ASSOCIATION, INC.
World's l.arg~st Registry of Pedigreed Cats
1805 AUanlic Avenue
PO Box 1005
Manasquan, NJ 08736-0805
908-528-9797
908.-528-7391 Fax
AHAICFA FreeroaminWUnownedIFeral Cat Workshou
The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) Statement
August 1996
Joan Miller, Member CFA Board of Directors
The Cat Fanciers' Association, founded in 1906, is dedicated to the promotion
of the well-being of all cats and the improvement and preservation of the
pedigreed cat breeds. CFA clubs and individuals work in communities
throughout America and other countries to help raise the status of all cats,
both random bred and pedigreed, and to educate the general public on the
inherent beauty and nature of cats and their proper care. CF A supports feline
health studies, disaster relief and neuter/spay programs. Cat fanciers have
become increasingly aware of the problems related to the many cats who are
unowned or loosely owned in this country. Whether these cats are truly "feral"
and untamed or abandoned domesticated cats fending for themselves does
not change the basic obligation to promote the humane treatment of all cats,
to alter, tame and place as many as possible in homes and to help prevent
further abandonment. The burden of this situation is one which calls for
broad based community support, networking of organizations, and the
participation of veterinarians and shelters.
Policies which advocate elimination of unowned/feral cats through trapping
and euthanasia have proven to be futile. The existing food attraction and
habitat can rarely be changed. Therefore, as cats are removed, because of a
perceived nuisance or other reason, more arrive to fill the niche. Even more
significant, this approach is rejected by cat fanciers because it is similar to
"pest contror'. It projects to the general public an underlying adverse attitude
toward cats and counteracts efforts of CFA and other groups to gain more
appreciation for cats as special creatures deserving of respect and lifetime
care regardless of whether they are "owned" or not. CFA supports the concept
of maintained cat colonies. Trapping, testing for diseases, vaccination,
altering, placement for adoption if possible, ear identification and return to
the existing location with ongoing caregiver maintenance (TTV AR) is a
humane alternative to trapping and killing cats.
1
,"
Though models for colonies and procedures are now well established and the
concept is generally considered successful in America, skepticism continues.
Some animal organizations, while not actively opposed to maintained
colonies, still question their effectiveness compared to other uses of available
resources. Scientific data would help to document and compare the results of
long term TTV AR programs, measure the impact of these programs on
communities and the numbers of cats handled by animal shelters, determine
the health status of colony cats and whether they adversely affect wildlife or
instead provide ecological benefits as predators in various areas. The
outcome of this data may help to increase community financial support.
TTV AR programs can be expected to continue regardless of scientific
information. Perhaps their most beneficial aspect, that of a gradual positive
change in peoples' attitudes about cats, will be impossible to quantify.
Reproductive intervention of unowned cats, whether maintained in colonies or
not, is essential to the goal of reducing the numbers of homeless cats in
America. Currently many organizations emphasize cat ownership education.
In addition, increased attention should be given to programs which will
encourage willing individuals to alter and care for unowned cats in their
backyards and neighborhoods.
Several years ago little attention had been given to determining the numbers
of unowned cats in America. CF A provided partial financial support for a
random household survey in which questions were asked concerning the
feeding of unowned cats. This study, executed by The National Pet Alliance
for Santa Clara County, California, and others (Massachusetts SPCA, San
Diego County, HSUS) have now revealed a developing pattern in this country.
Seven to ten percent of all households are feeding "stray" unowned cats. The
HSUS 1992 survey indicated that as many as 25% of dog and cat owners feed
unowned cats. In Santa Clara County 6% of the households feeding unowned
cats are feeding large groups of 10 to 30 cats; however, 86.4% of households
feeding unowned cats are feeding only 5 or less. Providing handouts to a few
cats in a backyard is a prevalent existing behavior which has not been
adequately recognized or addressed. An important question is whether these
cats are being altered or not. In the Massachusetts study 93% of the
households feeding unowned cats reported they had not altered any of these
cats. In San Diego County of the households feeding unowned cats 91.2% had
not altered the cats they fed. Of the 3,153 unowned cats captured in a
TTV AR program in San Diego County an astounding 97% of the cats had not
been altered.
2
,-
Through data collected from 5 major studies, we now realize that 84% to 91%
of owned cats are already altered. Unfortunately, some of these produced
offspring prior to altering. Obviously more effort must be concentrated on
preventing unchecked reproduction of unowned cats. This includes increasing
general awareness and use of early age altering of cats. When considering the
free-roaming/unowned/feral cats in America, encouragement of the larger
TTV AR colonies on public and private land is only part of the solution. It is
also imperative that individuals be motivated to respond to the one or two
unowned cats in their back yards.
An attitude of "if you feed it fix it" is needed. This can be achieved through
education and help with trapping, altering, taming and adopting/placing
whenever possible. CFA believes that punitive measures, fees, fines,
legislation and licenses, tend to discourage otherwise caring individuals from
accepting unowned/feral cat responsibility. Several studies have shown that
17% to over 30% of cat owners obtained their pet cats as "strays".
Freeroaming/unowned cats are often a first introduction to the pleasures
offered by cats. Providing resources for people with "doorstep" colonies may
be an important step toward increasing responsible cat ownership, providing
care for feral cats and raising the status of all cats.
---000---
3
,-
Example of city resuonse to survey information.
ARE YOU FEEDING
STRAY CATS???
'i
I
,
I
10%-of Santa Clara County !louseholds feed stray cats-an average of ;3.4 "!lts per household! How-
ever. many people don't consider that these loosely owned or neighborhood cats have kittcns--an
average of 2.1 litten per year with 4.25 kittens per litter.
The City of San Jose would like to reduce the number of stray cats. and their off-
spring. being handled at the shelter. More than 50% of the cats euthanized at the
shelter are either wild. or their unweaned offspring. Handling these wild cats and
kittens costs taxpayer money. Altering one pair of stray cats now will save the cost of
handling thousands of their offspring over the next 10 years.
NOW YOU CAN HELP REDUCE THE NUMBER OF KITTENS
BORN TO STRAY CATS
The City of San Jose will give you FREE Spay/Neuter vouchers to
alter, either your own cats, or, the strays you are feeding. Simply
take the voucher with the cat to a participating veterinarian. Your
owned or stray cat will be altered for free.
I
\
I
I
i
i
,
!
Kitten season starts as soon as the days grow lODger in January and February. The kiltens arc born in I
April and May. and a second litter in the late summer. Many of these kittens arc thell taken (0 the
shelter. Let's work together to stop this year's crop of kittells now.
Please write to the City of San Jose to obtain your vouchers today:
Fre. SpaylNeuter Vouchers
City of San Jose
801 N. 1st SL Box A
San Jose, CA 95110
Please include a slamped self.addressed envelope.
You may alter as many cats. owned or stray. as you wish. There are no strings attached. with the
exception that you must be a SaD lose resident
Thank You for your help in reducing the number
of euthanasias at the shelter, by having your
neighborhood strays fixed today!
l'IilolUIfaod p"~'.~i~14oow.rood by ~ Pei...w- U95
..
. . . . . . .. . . " .. ... . . .. . .. . . '," . . . .. . . . . . ....
Scientific workshop another positive milestone for
feral cats
A Critical Evalution of Free-
Roaming/Unownedlferal Cats
in the United States.
'perhaps the most impor-
tallt elemefl/ of the work-
shop was the ackllowledg-
me1lt by national humane organiza-
tions, scientists. the American
Veterinary Medical .Association and
others concerned with the well-be-
ing of cats that freeroaming/un-
oWlled/feral cats are worthy of
serious attention. Groups such as Al-
ley Cats Allies alld dedicated illdi-
vidual caregivers all over the country
have worked for years caring for
homeless cats alld have established
well desiglled procedures, but they
have /lot received m~ch recognition
from political entities or; in most cases,
even shelters or national humane or-
ganization. 1 was pleased that the
workshop allowed various views /0 be
presented in a respectful setting and
that the debate and discussions led
to some lIew perspective for all of us.
The scientific pallel emphasized the
lIeed for some hard data 011 the
health alld well-beillg of ullcollfilled
cats alld their numbers in various
parts of the COUlltry. 011 the real im-
pact Oil prey species in different eco-
logical contexts, on the perceived
zoonotic risks in different envirpnments
and Oil methods to evaluate the' suc-
cess of maintained colonies and re-
lated programs. Gelleral co lOllY
guidelines recognized by a national
coalition in addition to this data may
be lIecessary to have broad com-
munity support and to encourage
more cooperation from shelters. T,he
management approach similar to
pest cOlltrol was defillitely deter-
milled to be ullacceptable forulI-
confined cats. This was an
important realization."
Joan Miller, CFA.
4
Alley Cat Allies was pleased to be part
of a scientific panel discussion orga-
nized by American Humane Associa-
tion (AHA) and the Cat Fanciers'
Association (CFA) in Denver in August.
The proceedings will be published by
AHA in Decembet and we will report
on this in detail in our next issue.
ACA presented a position paper de-
tailing the milestones for feral cat
colony. management. We included
a statement on humane ways to
deal with "introduced" animals, al-
though it is our belief that the cat
should no longer be considered an
"exotic" or introduced animal, as cats
have lived in America for over 500
years.
ACA Position Statement on Intro-
duced Animals:
While recognizing that many exotic
and introduced birds and animals
exist in the U.S., ACA believes that
non~lethal and humane control
methods should be used when try-
ing to reduce and siabilize these
populations. ACA believes that the
extermination of animals in efforts to
control their numbers is not only cruel.
but also futile. While there is an over-
population of domestic cats with
many unneutered cats joining or
forming colonies, the program of TI
N/R of feraIs back to supervised sites
is more effective in the' long term to
stabilize and reduce colonies.
A brief summary for those who are
anxious to know the outcome: the
panel noted that the vast majority of
position papers
presented were
against trap'
and kill and
overwhelmingly
in favor of trap,
neuter and re-
lease. They re-
quested that
universities be-
come more in.
volvedin this
issue and strongly suggested that
more research of controlled- and un-
controlled colonies be undertaken.
We need your help to collect data!
Alley Cat Allies contacted all veteri-
nary schools requesting that they as-
sist in collecting data and
conducting research on colonies.
Many agreed to work with us and
with colony caretakers.
If you manage colonies near a vet-
erinary medical school, and are will-
ing to work with them to provide
data and information, please con-
tact ACA as soon as possible so that
we may begin this valuable program.
- Notable participants:
Many representalives from different
groups were on hand to present posi-
tive statements 10 the panel on feral
cat. colony management. They in-
cluded: Holly Hazard of Doris Day Ani-
mar League, Richard Avanzino - S,F.
SPCA, Joan Miller and Tom Dent, CFA,
Ed Sayres, AHA, The American Vet-
erinary Medical Association and
Esther Mechler, SPAY USA. Unfortu-
nately Dr Patricia Olson, AHA, and Dr
Andrew Rowan, Tufts, were unable to
attend.,. .
The scientific panel illcluded (Left to Right)
James Seipel!, PhD, Gary Patrollele. DVM.
PhD, R Lee Zaslaff, PhD, Niels Pedersell,
DVM. PhD, Wollkang Joehle, DVM.
Margaret S{aterDVM. phD Jenuld
Tannenbaum, JD.
Representat/vesftvmAHA: Carol Moultoll
and Ed Sayres.
Alley Cat Action' Fall 1996
.~ r A c
~ ~ ~
u .. rJ1
Felirle Health
\
The Cat Fanciers' Assocation, Inc.
The Wmn Feline Foundation, Inc., a non-profit corporation affiliated with The Cat Fanciers'
Association, Inc. (CFA), supporta health related studies of medical problema affecting cats. In addition
to awarding grants for selected health studies, the Foundation sponsors an annual symposium on
current feline veterinary topics and publishes periodic reports in lay language to inform cat fanciers
about the progress of funded projects. CF A provides for !II. of the Foundation's administrative
expenses thus allowing all donatiollJ received to be directly used for feline health studies. Over the
years, the Wmn Foundation has helped to advance veterinary knowledge in all areas of feline health.
Since its inception, grants totaling $1,400,000 have been awarded by the Foundation for scientific
studies, encouraging veterinarians to focus attention on the needs of cats. These programs have
contributed significant knowledge in various areas of feline medicine, such as, determining if there are
any long term effects of early sterilization of kittens, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline infectious
peritonitis, urinary tract disease, diabetes, kidney disease,. cancer, fungus, dental disease, and many
others.
Generous donations from CF A. CF A member cat clubs, corporations and caring individuals have made
the Foundation's success possible. In addition, many people within CFA volunteer their time and
efforta to help achieve the WIIUl Foundation's goal of improving the health and well-being of cats.
CF A has always worked for the benefit of all felines, and, through the Foundation, will continue in the
future to look into any new areas that promise to provide a long, happy, and healthy life for all cats.
."
~fAC
~ ~ ~
u .. r.f)
The, Cat Fanciers' Assocation, Inc.
Obj ecti ves
The main objectives of The Cat Fanciers' A.uociation, Ine. (CF A). a non-profit organization founded in
1906. are:
. The promotion of the welfare of all cats;
. The improvement and preservation of CF A recognized breeds; and,
. The education and encouragement of breeders to provide quality care and
environments for their cats.
Additional objectives include:
. The registration of pedigrees of cats and kittens;
. The promulgation of rules for the management of cat shows;
. The licensing of cat shows held under the rules of this organization; and,
. The promotion of the interests of breeders and exhibitors of pedigreed cats,
CF A. its member clubs and pedigreed cat breeders are working to raise the status of all cats, CF A
provides educational programs. alternatives to coercive legislation, assistance to humane shelters.
disaster relief. support of feline health studies. public service announcements and other positive
activities benefiting both pedigreed and random bred cats, CFA clubs and pedigreed cat breeders
promote community programs to manage feral cats. provide low cost neuter/spay. increase shelter
adoptions. require sterilization of shelter cats prior to adoption, and educate the public concerning the
proper care of cats,
~
.,.
,
'", F A C
(; '" -- ?>",
The Cat Fanciers'
What
.
IS
CFA
Assocation,
Inc.
The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc. (CFA), is a non-profit organization founded in 1906. CFA
participants include breeders and exhibitors who are part oflocal cat clubs. CF A sponsors over 400 cat
shows annually around the world with over 80,000 entries. Our shows include competitions for
pedigreed championship cats, altered pedigreed (premiership) cats and random-bred household cats.
CFA is the world's largest registry of pedigreed cats. CFA member clubs are located throughout the
United States, Canada, Japan, Europe, South America and other parts of the world. There are
currently 64 million cats owned in the United States. Pedi2Teed cats, however, are
estimated to be only 2%-4% of the total cat population in America.
CF A has always been concerned about the welfare of both pedigreed and random bred cats. This is
clearly evidenced by our "not for breeding" registrations, show classes for altered cats (called
premiership), public service announcements, educational programs, bumper stickers and commitment
to feline health concerns. For instance, CF A clubs support and promote altered non-pedigreed cats by
having shelters offer cats for adoption at the clubs' shows. We have also encouraged the sterilization
of all cats who will not be part of a recognized and planned breeding program.
While the cat fancy is dedicated to promoting the welfare of all cats, we are also committed to
preserving our breeds. These pedigreed cats are pieces of history, each having a distinct story and
past. Some of our ancient breeds have only 100 or less cats registered each year yet they have devoted
admirers. Without responsible breeding programs many breeds would be extinct. For CF A and our
breeders, extinction of even one of the pedigreed cat breeds is untkinkabk.
. We are strong and unified in our opposition to anti-breeding laws which violate our
constitutional rights and which would put our beloved cat breeds in jeopardy. The Cat
Fanciers' Association has joined forces with other animal organizations to ensure that
public officials are aware of the serious consequences of anti breeding laws on our
pedigreed cats.
CF' A is curTmtly airing public 1lerW:e announcement. on more than 350 IItationa t..tionwide and on the armed lOn:a network. 1bcy are: -Keep PetlC
Indood _ Help Your Pet Live Longer; "SIMY Or Neuter Your Pet'"' - Help SlOp The Pet Over-Papulation Problem; '"How ToChoMe A c.t" . Picking
'T'be Right 'eline For Yout: -Adopt Pet. From Shelters- - Enrich Your Life, SaVe A Lifer and "Vi.it The Ver"' - Keeping YaurCat Healthy.
The Cat Fanciers' ~
I
Association, Inc.
The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc.
The World's Largest Registry of Pedigreed Cats
PO Box 1005, Manasquan NJ 08736-0805
908/528-9797 .