Hunter Wants Small Game License - To Hunt Domestic Cats!

[matcom]

<snip>

MADISON, Wis. -- The fur is going to fly when cat lovers hear about Mark Smith's idea.

The Wisconsin hunter and firefighter wants stray cats classified as an "unprotected species" that could be shot by anyone with a small-game license.

Smith welcomes wild birds onto his property, but if he sees a cat, he thinks the "invasive" animal should be considered fair game.

The 48-year-old firefighter from La Crosse, Wis., has proposed that hunters in Wisconsin make free-roaming domestic cats an "unprotected species" that could be shot at will by anyone with a small-game license.

Hunters will vote on the proposal on April 11 during hearings for the Wisconsin Conservation Congress across the state. The congress advises state officials on natural resource issues.

Smith said free-roaming cats are an invasive species that attack wild birds.

Smith's proposal has horrified cat lovers.

http://www.wftv.com/family/4258907/detail.html

[meegbear]

1. I don't know which is worse ...

this asshole's proposal or the fact that they are actually going to vote on it.

[RevCheesehead]

2. Didn't this guy post a flame-war here a few weeks ago?

I recall a post about "do you let your cats go outdoors?" Once people started responding, it became clear the OP was baiting discussion in favor of birds' rights, etc.


Don't forget to vote on their poll question: Are cats "fair game?"
http://www.wftv.com/family/4258907/detail.html

[Zenaholic]

3. Being a bird lover myself

I have seen what stray cats can do. I put out food out for the birds to eat and for my enjoyment (not for a kittie buffet). When I see them on my property, stalking my little feathered friends, I want to shoot them too.

Cats should be controlled like dogs. I personally don't believe cats should be allowed out doors without being on a leash (just like dogs). If you see a stray dog, you take him to the pound (where they usually kill them). The same should apply for cats.

What I have been planning on doing is buying a paint ball gun and shoot these cats with that. Then when they go home (if they have a home) maybe the owner will realize that their cats is not welcome on other people's property, when they see bright fluorescent orange paint all over their cat.

[flvegan]

5. Ever seen what a paintball gun can do to a cat?

Me neither, thankfully.

So, a feral (ownerless) cat shows up in your yard, you're going to potentially damage/blind said animal. Maybe you could instead buy a Havahart humane trap, then take them to the shelter yourself. Maybe there's an organization in your area set up to care for/monitor feral colonies. I'm sure you've already looked into that.

[LynneSin]

4. Putting aside the cruelty of hunting domestic cats...

...some which might be someone's pet that got out by accident, the other issue is hunting within 250 yards of someone's house. Maybe this guy lives on a massive farm with 100s of acre, but then again maybe he lives in a Residential community with neighbors nearby that might not appreciate him hunting for cats so close to their home

:eyes: