Your Times Colonist

Educate public on animal behaviour
Times Colonist
Published: Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Re: "Fat cat goes wild, attacks its owner," March 31.

On the rare occasion a cat goes wild, there is always a reason: Too many strangers with no safe place to hide, corporal discipline or severe restrictions, the scent or sight of another cat when too isolated, needs neutering, allergic reaction, etc.

Let it pass, then take kitty to a good feline vet who gives it time to calm down -- not one who euthanises it for reacting to the unusual, especially after being cornered and bagged by something tantamount to a SWAT team.

I was once assaulted by a hidden tethered dog with lots of lead. There were no visible warning signs. I fell, ended up in a cast, and still have trouble with my dominant wrist. I didn't want the animal put down -- I love dogs. I just wanted the owners to wake up to their responsibilities. Eventually, despite a serious injury taking place, the dog was merely "carded."

The Canada Safety Council estimates 460,000 Canadians are bitten by dogs annually. Much of the insurance-related liability is borne by our health-care system.

Attack by cat is beyond negligible, and it's reprehensible to malign these timid, loving creatures with front-page sensationalism.

If the Times Colonist is going to run such news, it should consult with animal behaviourists to educate the public about why kitty might freak out.

The TC is just adding to ignorance if it doesn't.

Natalia Kuzmyn,

Saanich.