Scraps & Treats


Feral Cat Day Official

On May 3, the Illinois House of Representatives declared October 16, 2006, National Feral Cat Day. Bill HR 1235 was introduced into the 94th General Assembly on April 24 by state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D) and received unanimous approval. The bill endorses non-lethal trap-neuter-return (TNR), when accompanied by ongoing feral cat management, as the most effective, humane method of reducing feral cat populations in Illinois and encourages all citizens to support TNR for feral cats throughout the state. National Feral Cat Day was started in 2001 by Alley Cat Allies, a non-profit organization that advocates for the care and treatment of feral and stray cats. For more information, visit www.AlleyCat.org.

 

Breed-specific legislation proposed

Calling for an alternative to breed-specific legislation (BSL), an ad hoc committee of local dog experts worked with Alderman Gene Schulter and Alderman Shirley Coleman to create an alternative plan to enhance public safety for people and pets. Included in their proposal: Mandatory microchipping, anti-Tethering (dogs could no longer be tied out in yards for more than three hours), increase in the differential in the dog license, (unaltered dogs will have to pay $50; dogs that are spayed/neutered pay $5), increased penalties to retrieve dogs from animal care and control if the same dog returns repeatedly, provisions for doggy day care facilities, and a website that will list dogs deemed vicious and/or dangerous (it will include a picture of the dog and address where the dog lives; education information about companion animals will also be on the site). The license committee hearing on the pet safety ordinances are scheduled for late July.

 

The Real World: Cat Town

Move over Project Runway, there’s a new reality show on the way: The Meow Mix House. Filming for the first-ever reality show based on cats just wrapped shooting at a specially designed cat pad in New York City. Ten shelters throughout the country, including Touched by an Animal in Chicago, sent a feline friend, or “cat-testant,” to participate in the show, which is being produced by The Meow Mix Company. Webcams were set up in every room of the house to see just what cats do all day when their guardians aren’t around. A panel of judges determines the winner, who will receive a job working for The Meow Mix Company as Feline Vice President of Research and Development. All of the cats will be adopted into a (pre-selected) permanent home and given a year supply of Meow Mix. The show airs Fridays beginning June 23, for more details visit www.MeowMixHouse.com.
Check out our other markets!