Human Society question about Cats?

[Ex Porn Star]

I know someone in the neighborhood that keeps their Cat in a cage in the backyard with some rabbits during the winter time. This is not a farm a normal neighborhood. I find this inhumane since it is a Cat and should not be treated this way in winter conditions. Shouldn't a Cat be indoors if it is indeed a pet and not a stray cat? I heard they bring him indoors every so often but not permanently.

I know dogs are sometimes kept in a dog house in the backyard but Cats?

I was going to call the Humane Society on them for cruelty to animals!

Does anyone else think this is wrong?

 

[Jade4u]

1. How long are they kept out and what are the weather conditions on those particular days?

Cats do stay healthier like humans if they do get fresh air. It could be a case where the owners view it as doing the cat a favour. I let my cat wonder on the balcony from time to time. I know it cannot run off or get stolen as I am in an apartment building. I most certainly would not want my cat stolen or to wonder off or get hit by a car if I were in a house.

Do you think this is possibly the reasoning. They could have a logical explanation.

2. Is the cats otherwise healthy, fed and groomed?

If so I would leave it alone with the thought of where those cats could end up if taken to other homes or possibly put down if no other people adopt them etc... There is too many real animal abusers out there. People that ditch pets when they get tired and too many animals not able to find homes.

But if they are looking abused ie.. is there no way they get a chance to do their peeing and shitting elsewhere. If they are let out there will be no shit and piss on them. If they are in there too long they should look filthy.

 

[CapitalGuy]

I know someone in the neighborhood that keeps their Cat in a cage in the backyard with some rabbits during the winter time. This is not a farm a normal neighborhood. I find this inhumane since it is a Cat and should not be treated this way in winter conditions. Shouldn't a Cat be indoors if it is indeed a pet and not a stray cat? I heard they bring him indoors every so often but not permanently.

I know dogs are sometimes kept in a dog house in the backyard but Cats?

I was going to call the Humane Society on them for cruelty to animals!

Does anyone else think this is wrong?

You're fucked. Its ok for a dog and for rabbits to be outside, but a cat somehow has extraordinary rights as compared to other animals? You think its inhumane? Shake your head.

 

[stinkynuts]

Depends on the situation. If it's out the entire night when the temperature is below freezing, the yes, it is animal cruelty. Call the proper authorities.

 

[Barca]

You're fucked. Its ok for a dog and for rabbits to be outside, but a cat somehow has extraordinary rights as compared to other animals? You think its inhumane? Shake your head.

No animal should be left outside during cold snaps.

 

[Ex Porn Star]

You're fucked. Its ok for a dog and for rabbits to be outside, but a cat somehow has extraordinary rights as compared to other animals? You think its inhumane? Shake your head.

Holy shit! Easy there. Talk about taking words out of context. I don't mean it's normal in 'winter' conditions to keep any animal outdoors but I meant doghouse as you would typically see this in the summer time. That's what I meant. I just think it isn't right for any animal to be outdoors in the winter time for any specific time especially if its considered your pet.

 

[Ex Porn Star]

1. How long are they kept out and what are the weather conditions on those particular days?

Cats do stay healthier like humans if they do get fresh air. It could be a case where the owners view it as doing the cat a favour. I let my cat wonder on the balcony from time to time. I know it cannot run off or get stolen as I am in an apartment building. I most certainly would not want my cat stolen or to wonder off or get hit by a car if I were in a house.

Do you think this is possibly the reasoning. They could have a logical explanation.

2. Is the cats otherwise healthy, fed and groomed?

If so I would leave it alone with the thought of where those cats could end up if taken to other homes or possibly put down if no other people adopt them etc... There is too many real animal abusers out there. People that ditch pets when they get tired and too many animals not able to find homes.

But if they are looking abused ie.. is there no way they get a chance to do their peeing and shitting elsewhere. If they are let out there will be no shit and piss on them. If they are in there too long they should look filthy.

From what I heard from others in the neighborhood is that this family (Italian) have a few cages set up in their backyard. They have chickens, rabbits and supposedly this cat to make sure mice are kept out of the cage.

They have had this setup in the backyard for years but it's the first I've heard about a cat being kept in the cage to sleep with the rest of the animals. I just don't think a Cat should be kept in this cage and this family is somewhat against having this cat a full time member in the house.

 

[Jade4u]

Holy shit! Easy there. Talk about taking words out of context. I don't mean it's normal in 'winter' conditions to keep any animal outdoors but I meant doghouse as you would typically see this in the summer time. That's what I meant. I just think it isn't right for any animal to be outdoors in the winter time for any specific time especially if its considered your pet.

If that is the only reason is because you feel it is wrong then I recommend you leave it alone as all pet owners treat their pets differently. The main thing is that they are fed, groomed and cared for. If they are sick they get attended too etc.... Just like every parent does what they feel is best for their child. There is pets that stay in all day while owners work and do not get much attention and pets that owners are with them all day long. Pets that are allowed to roam freely and pets that have to breathe fresh air through screens. Look at it another way too. How many cats just sit in windows and wish to get out? Cats were originally outdoor animals. It was humans that made them into pets. They are capable in surviving outdoors except we have taken that ability to know how to hunt away from them.

 

[CapitalGuy]

I would politely suggest some city folk might need to get out into the country a bit to garner a greater appreciation for the robustness of the animals we share the planet with. Animals can survive the winter without human assistance. Birds do it, coyotes do it, rabbits do it, all nature of farm animals do it, foxes do it, raccoons do it, wild and feral cats do it. We might treat our pets like they are delicate and breakable but they are actually much more robust than we are.

 

[Jade4u]

From what I heard from others in the neighborhood is that this family (Italian) have a few cages set up in their backyard. They have chickens, rabbits and supposedly this cat to make sure mice are kept out of the cage.

They have had this setup in the backyard for years but it's the first I've heard about a cat being kept in the cage to sleep with the rest of the animals. I just don't think a Cat should be kept in this cage and this family is somewhat against having this cat a full time member in the house.

In that case I would call up and ask if they are allowed to keep so many animals in cages in their backyard. It sounds more like a farm setting to me. How many chickens and is it a chicken coupe or a cage for the chickens?

 

[Jade4u]

I would politely suggest some city folk might need to get out into the country a bit to garner a greater appreciation for the robustness of the animals we share the planet with. Animals can survive the winter without human assistance. Birds do it, coyotes do it, rabbits do it, all nature of farm animals do it, foxes do it, raccoons do it, wild and feral cats do it. We might treat our pets like they are delicate and breakable but they are actually much more robust than we are.

Not I Sir, I grew up in the country. My Aunt had a farm and when my sister got older she started one too.

 

[CapitalGuy]

Not I Sir, I grew up in the country. My Aunt had a farm and when my sister got older she started one too.

I thought you had that country girl common sense!

 

[Jade4u]

I thought you had that country girl common sense!

Yeah I am more concerned about the chickens.

 

[alexmst]

I don't know much about cats, and haven't lived in the country, but SOME city dogs can live outdoors all year - when I was a kid a neighbour had an Alsation German Shepard/Husky mix and he lived outside all year as a watch dog and seemed happy and content and lived in good health till a ripe old age. He was groomed/fed and had a doghouse but most of the time he sat by choice on a snowbank in the winter watching the yard. Wolves live outdoor all winter, and this dog looked a bit like a wolf. Of course a lap dog wouldn't fare too well outdoors I don't think in the winter. I had a golden that liked being outside for 4 or 5 hours at a time in winter before he'd come to the door to want to be let in.

In Florida whenever there is a friost warning in the winter the TV stations warn on the 6 o'clock news "that domestic animals should be brought indoors for the night" as many dogs live outdoors all year in Florida.

 

[danibbler]

I would politely suggest some city folk might need to get out into the country a bit to garner a greater appreciation for the robustness of the animals we share the planet with. Animals can survive the winter without human assistance. Birds do it, coyotes do it, rabbits do it, all nature of farm animals do it, foxes do it, raccoons do it, wild and feral cats do it. We might treat our pets like they are delicate and breakable but they are actually much more robust than we are.

Really? What about those two monkeys that recently froze to death in NB? One of whom was in a small shelter? What about that wallaby near Ottawa?

Once again, we see the arrogance of people who, just because they grew up on a farm, think they know it all when it comes to animals.

Back on topic, if the cat is kept in a sheltered location, well fed and taken care of, it should do well enough outside but we don't know where this is?

 

[benstt]

I would politely suggest some city folk might need to get out into the country a bit to garner a greater appreciation for the robustness of the animals we share the planet with. Animals can survive the winter without human assistance. Birds do it, coyotes do it, rabbits do it, all nature of farm animals do it, foxes do it, raccoons do it, wild and feral cats do it. We might treat our pets like they are delicate and breakable but they are actually much more robust than we are.

Wild animals take care of themselves, and find shelter when it is appropriate. Caged animals need care.

The answer depends on the shelter available. You can keep animals in cold conditions, but unless they have access to appropriate shelter from the wind and rain or snow, bad things will happen. As long as there is an enclosed portion with suitable bedding (keeping the wind and precipitation out) cats/rabbits/etc would be fine.

The tough part is giving them enough fresh water when it is cold. It freezes up quick.

Normally cats and dogs on farms can resort to sleeping in the barn, which can get quite toasty if you're not careful.

 

[spastar]

and this family is somewhat against having this cat a full time member in the house.

If the Cat is outside for long periods of time cold or hot with out something to protect it from the elements of nature- it is Animal cruelty with out a doubt.


Obligations and Prohibitions re Care of and Harm to Animals

Standards of care for animals
11.1 (1) Every person who owns or has custody or care of an animal shall comply with the prescribed standards of care with respect to every animal that the person owns or has custody or care of. 2008, c. 16, s. 8.

Causing distress
11.2 (1) No person shall cause an animal to be in distress. 2008, c. 16, s. 8.

Offences
18.1 (1) Every person is guilty of an offence who,
(a) contravenes subsection 11 (5);
(b) contravenes or fails to comply with section 11.1;
(c) contravenes subsection 11.2 (1), (2), (3), (4) or (5);
(d) contravenes subsection 13 (5);
(e) contravenes or fails to comply with an order of the Board; or
(f) knowingly makes a false report to the Society in respect of an animal being in distress. 2008, c. 16, s. 16.





Report a case of animal cruelty, please call 416.392.2273 or 416.392.9992 (then press "0").

When reporting a case of animal cruelty, please provide us with the following information:
Your first and last name, telephone number and address (which will be kept strictly confidential).
Address of the animal (street name, house, building or apartment number).
Where on the property the animal is located (backyard, garage, inside the house, balcony or porch).
Type of animal (cat, dog, bird, reptile or wildlife)
Description of animal (gender, colour, size or age, if known).
Name of person who lives at the address
Date and time of the incident you witnessed.

 

[tboy]

Not sure what neighbourhood this is but they passed a by-law stating that it is illegal to keep "hobby farms" within the city limits now.

One of the things y'all are missing in regards to animals outdoors during the winter: wild animals have burrows, caves and dens to crawl into to protect them from the elements. Wild animals also develope winter coats to protect them in harsh climates. Domesticated animals do not (for the most part) have these abilities. I think that is also something people are missing out on: domestic vs wild.

As for the alsatian, heck, they are born and bred for the cold so I'm not surprised the animal thrives in the cold. I bet summers are hell for it.

I tell you one thing: I'd have been on the phone to the humane society the second I heard of this. If nothing else they would inspect the situation to determine if everything is ok or not. If the animal is fine? Then no worries but what if it isn't?

 

[hunter001]

The cat is is no danger or "distress" as long as the "rabbit" cage has shelter/box, nesting material, and is kept clean .

My parents live in the a small village and they having been feeding some strays for a couple of years that took up residence in an old garage in the back of their property. The cats come and go as they please and they aren't let inside the house even the coldest days.

I have never heard of people in this country keeping cats in a cage, but as long as they have the means to keep themselves warm, I doubt there is much the HS could do. It wouldn't hurt to call HS and see what they think but I don't think they will do anything.

If you do call the HS, please post the results, I would be interested in what the HS has to say.

 

[CapitalGuy]

Really? What about those two monkeys that recently froze to death in NB? One of whom was in a small shelter? What about that wallaby near Ottawa?
QUOTTE]

You are right on both counts. I am shocked that these two species of native Canadian animals were not able to withstand the cold.