Hello, Craig,

I understand that Forgotten Felines has received an order that feral cats should be caged. I have worked with feral cats for many years and caging them is a real act of cruelty. Ask any shelter manager or anybody with experience in this area. The only other option for Penny's cats is euthanasia, which is also inhumane, even cruel, when administered to a healthy animal.

Is the SPCA actually saying the ferals of Forgotten Felines would be better off dead than enjoying life in a trailer with an outdoor run? Maybe I missed something.

I do not understand why a Society with the mission to protect animals would make a demand like this. I understand that Mr. and Mrs. Eccles (Ms. Drever) have made negative comments on feral cats in the past. Progressive attitudes are prevailing in up-to-date animal groups. There are many other solutions that euthanasia for these unfortunate animals.

I note that the Nanaimo SPCA sends feral cats to the wonderful Nanaimo Feral Cat Rescue Society, who keep all the ferals outdoors and to the Victoria Humane Society in Metchosin. Neither group cages ferals. I understand that both groups do a wonderful job with no caging.I know that Shelter Manager Chiorando, along with people from the local SPCA and feral cat groups, visited Richmond Homeless Cats. They were impressed and their feral cats are not caged either.

Any comments on feral cats would be appreciated. You're the boss, so you have the power to modify this demand to cage ferals or to demand that they be caged.

Will similar demands be made to all other groups who deal with ferals- e.g. Richmond Homeless Cats, Nanaimo Feral Cat Rescue, the Victoria Humane Society etc.?