Animal Control Care Corner

By Joe Rodweller
Frostbite and stray animals, they go together more than you think. Some may say it’s about the same as starvation and strays. Cats are number one on the list. Why? Because most strays are abandoned and unwanted and left unchecked when it comes to reproducing. And so they multiply like nobody’s business, like rabbits! I don’t know what someone is thinking when they toss out a cat but it sure isn’t smart thinking on their part. It isn’t sensible or rash thinking either, it’s just plain not thinking at all.    There are good laws that punish people for abandoning their pets but they are not used enough. This winter, for example, has taken a toll on the animals. There are many cats that have gotten frostbite simply because they can’t cope with the sub-zero temps, and most likely, many more that have expired due to frostbite or starvation because of it. The law tells you that if you find and feed a cat, it becomes yours. Not so. During winter and very cold temps, if you see or know of cats that are in need of anything, give it to them! No one will find fault in it, so help in any way you can.
It also seems that many towns are not so interested in the stray cat calls and that’s because there have been so many in the past. Animal control fees and shelter fees rise when they take a lot of stray cats to the shelters. But then this is another issue, maybe to be tackled in a later article.
What I can tell you to do is this, call your ACO or the town office and make a complaint of stray cats and where. Ask them when they might be out there to check on them, and tell them that if they are left there you will be back out there to give the cats what they need. You can also call the shelter and tell them. They might be able to help by taking the cat as long as it’s approved by the town.
There are many possibilities that can be taken to insure the health and safety of strays. I, for one, carry cat food and dog treats in my vehicle along with many other things that may help an animal in need. Make sure the cat food and treats are in an airtight container. Got an old flannel shirt that you were going to throw away? Don’t, it makes good bedding. The little plastic butter container you were going to toss is a perfect water or food container. There are many things that are useful if you think about it. I’m sure there will be some out there that are saying, “If I leave that stuff there on the ground some cop is going to give me a ticket for littering.” I think that if they know what you’re doing, they wouldn’t. I am also sure that as long as it stays neatly cared for no officer is going to stand up in a packed courtroom and have to explain why they issued a summons for littering against anyone trying to help stray animals that no one else will. In other words, this is not an excuse not to do something. So remember, it’s a cold, hard world for abandoned and stray animals. They would like your help in any way you give it. Thanks for reading.
 Joe Rodweller of Linneus, a certified animal control officer and member of the Maine Animal Control Association, operates Maine Animal Control with his wife Debbie. He can be reached at 538-1347 or via e-mail at debjoe347@yahoo.com.