0
Fertile Felines May Require New Laws
Cat population could reach dangerous heights: researcher
By Matt Cantor
|
Posted Apr 17, 08 3:00 PM CDT
|
Share
(Newser)
–
America’s wandering cat population is growing—and if communities don’t address the issue, their numbers could spiral to alarming heights, LiveScience reports. As it stands, there’s a cat for every 3.5 Americans, and reproducing roamers contribute to the 5 million cats euthanized yearly. Cities may need to follow Los Angeles’ lead: The city now requires all cats and dogs be “fixed” soon after birth.
“If we don't change something, we're going to continue to lose this battle” against overpopulation, says a veterinary expert. She surveyed Ohioans on their interactions with felines, and found that about a third of respondents saw roving felines daily. Over half supported spay-neuter laws, which the researcher encourages, though “it gets very emotional,” she says.