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Friends of the Cawthra Bush & Greater Mississauga Area
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Opening comments - more at end. Letter from (Frank Dineen) The
Steven'sCat Sanctuary
It's been just over six years Mississauga resident Lois Stevens, decided that she had seen enough. And that the time had come for her to try and somehow make right, something that she believed to be terribly wrong. W HAT WAS IT THAT WAS SO TERRIBLY WRONG (And still is)? The City of Mississauga's homeless cat policy. In it's view, a cat that is thought to be for various reasons, non-adoptable or, a cat that has been judged to be adoptable, but has not found it's self a new home within 72 hrs.* of it arrival, is declared expendable. And the poor feline is 'humanely' put to sleep and then cremated (a contradiction in terms, I would say). WHAT WAS IT THAT LOIS THOUGHT TO BE RIGHT? Lois believed that all cats, whether it's young or old, stray or abandoned by it's owner, injured or abused, or for that matter, in any other state, should be handled in as kind and as compassionate a way, as a human being would be treated, having been overwhelmed by similar circumstances. And with just over 1 in every 4 Canadian households owning 1 or more cats, it appears very likely that cats are right next in line, just behind dogs, as being considered man and woman's best friend. Lois Stevens, knew friends when she saw them. And she understood that a policy that would routinely kill homeless and down-on-their-luck felines was not the right way to treat such beautiful and trusting friends of human kind. LOIS HAD THE WILL, AND LOIS HAD THE WAY. And so, with that view, embedded deeply and unshakably in her's and fortunately, her husband Brian's mind, they made the decision to open their home to all cats in need. It soon became apparent to them, that if they were to keep every cat, then sooner of later, they would be up to their ears in kitty cats. Faced with the problem of limited space, the Steven's formulated a very successful and, I might add, a very costly plan of operations. Over the last 6 years, it has cost them personally, approximately $12,000 annually (it would very from year to year). The plan called for the preparation of each feline, in such a way as to equip the cat (if you will) with whatever it might need to improve it's chances of finding a new home, as quickly as possible. Thus making room for a new arrival. To achieve this end, each cat would be spayed or neutered and given all the required needles. And in addition, to bring out the cats gentle and affectionate personality, that is often buried beneath the surface of feral (wild or street cats) and mistreated cats (mentally and physically abused by mentally ill 'people'), dedicated and determined volunteers, often students, would spend time on the fur balls (sorry, but I couldn't resist) giving the cats loads of much needed love and attention. And of course, a very good serving of tickle and more tickle. And then, when a person expresses interest in adopting a particular cat, Lois politely, but thoroughly, questions them, to be sure that the interested person will be a responsible owner, and that they will be as good for the cat, as the cat will be for them. And so, when everything is satisfactory, Lois hands them their new pet, free of charge. Yes, that's right. No money changes hands, and no strings attached. Lois and Brian's payment, is received through the heart-warming sight of one of their cats being driven home by it's new loving owner, to begin it's second life. A hopefully, long and happy one. *It can be more, or less than 72hrs. It depends on such factors as the cats condition, or level of attractiveness. As well as the space requirements. page 2 As time went on, the Steven's Cat Sanctuary became very well known among the communities' citizens, veterinarians, animal rights groups, the Toronto Humane Society, and yes even the City of Mississauga's very own Animal Control Office. Everyone that has visited their home, including the Animal Control people, agree that the Steven's operation is a model of efficiency and a very much welcomed alternative to the Citie's policy of kill and kill again. In fact, the Animal Control Officers have on occassion actually praised them, and expressed words of encouragement and support. SO WITH EVERYONE SO HAPPY ESPECIALLY THE CATS, WHAT IS ALL THE FUSS ABOUT? Back in January of this year, the City Counsellors and Mayor of Miss., discussed the possibility of exempting the Cat Sanctuary from an existing, though rarely acted on By-law, which states that a citizen in Miss. can provide sheltering for an animal. As you can see, the operative word is 'an' animal. In truth, it was only discussed to a more than superficial depth, because of the wonderful determination of Councillor David Culham. He is a senior member, and has worked so hard in the areas of wilderness and wild life preservation, that there is a trail in the Miss. Credit Woodlands, that is named after him in his honour. It was obvious to all of us, at the meeting supporting Lois, that this elected Gov.body considered the whole discussion annoying and in their eyes, unnecessary, because they are convinced that there is only one time tested method, that expeditiously solves the homeless cat problem, the needle and the smokestack. And Miss. has got that act down pat. In an effort to finish the Cat Sanctuary off once and for all, the Mayor put it to a vote. Needless to say, the result was 8 to 2 against the Stevens. But fortunately, as you know, when people are driven by a passion for their cause, with the deep conviction that their struggle is a right and just one, it takes much more than narrow minded politicans to extinguish the internal flame. If an effort to pry open the 8 dissenters minds & eyes is to be successful, we must do more than just simply try and try again. I believe, that we must try the untried. The card which accompanies this summary, spells out a particular strategy, that I have been asked to develop and implement. The card also makes a specific' info--request of your organization, that hopefully, might be of tremendous value when combined with the imput from the more than 45 other Cat and Animal associations, organizations leagues, societies, foundations, networks, councils, clubs, animal in distress groups, cruelty to animals groups, animal defence groups, humane societies, magazines, and cat book authors, etc.. On Monday, October 23rd, 1989, at exactly 7:3O p.m., in the City Hall Council chambers of Mississauga, Ont, Can, will be Lois Stevens, her husband Brian, myself and hundreds of cat and animal loving Human Beings. Our job is going to be difficult, if not impossible. Our success, or our failure in saving the Steven's Cat Sanctuary (and all their 'guests'), might very well hinge on our ability to illustrate to the Mayor and Councillors, that private cat sanctuaries are in operation, with few problems, in various locations all over Mother Earth. And ideally, if we had valid info that portrayed the neighbourhood cat sanctuary as a community asset, that not only provides a public service, but also, actually is seen as an institution (if you will), that the local citizens, are proud to say, that they have a cat sanctuary in their community. If we can prove that a community cat sanctuary does indeed, greatly enhance a cities image abroad, we might be able to ignite that in flammable and uncontrollabe, obsession that all politians can't resist--- 'COMPETING WITH THE JONES' In other words, if that city can have one, then I want one for MY city! Thank you very much for your time, and your attention. Frank Dineen PLEEASSE SIGN OUR PETITION It will make a difference! Home Page - Main Table of Contents - Back up a page - Back to Top [COMMENTS BY DON B. - ] |
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