To the Editor:
With all due respect to Bob Pecarchik ("Hurray for cat policy in Monessen," April 5), he has missed the entire point of the situation in his letter to the editor.
What we cat owners and/or cat rescuers are concerned with is the fact that there was no prior public notice or warning concerning the trappings. What is done is done, but many families have lost their beloved pets due to an unorganized and outright ridiculous attempt to control Monessen's stray cat population.
Perhaps one of those cats was comfort to a man suffering from cancer, or the companion of a widow who lost her husband of 50 years, or the only creature an abused child could trust. Did you ever think of that⢠How would you feel if someone needlessly took away what was important or maybe essential to you?
You stated that we cat owners should keep our animals safely inside to prevent them from doing their business on you lawn. Heck, Mr. Pecarchik, all living creatures do their business, correct?
We humans do our business on toilets (I hope) and all wildlife does it outside. Rabbits, deer, groundhogs and possums all do their business in yards, and birds do their business on our vehicles, particularly after you have spent hours washing and waxing them. However, do I trap and kill these animals because they do their business on my property or possessions⢠No. Do you?
My cats are friendly, loving animals. Most of my neighbors are thankful that they are a part of their community. They control the rodent population, to say the least. Have you ever had a mole problem⢠They tunnel and fill your yard with ugly holes, ultimately wrecking it.
What about the undeniably cute, but horrifically destructive, chipmunks that burrow in walls or undermine foundations⢠I hope that you haven't, and perhaps the reason for that is the stray cat population.
Sir, I guarantee that your tax dollars are being used for this purpose and if you are happy with paying more, then God bless you. I hope that you are content in knowing that you paid and advocated for the unnecessary killing of innocent animals. Remember, like you, cats are part of God's creation, too.
Paula Doptis
Monessen
