Cat cruelty carries considerable consequences
Some Pennsylvanians may not think the punishment is harsh enough, but consider these provisions of the state law addressing cruelty to animals.
“A person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree if he willfully and maliciously: Kills, maims, mutilates, tortures or disfigures any dog or cat, whether belonging to himself or otherwise. … Administers poison to or exposes any poisonous substance with the intent to administer such poison to any dog or cat, whether belonging to himself or otherwise.”
Conviction on such charges carries a minimum $1,000 fine and/or imprisonment for up to two years, and a subsequent conviction is considered to be a third-degree felony.
Yet cases of cruelty persist.
Last week, professionals at University Veterinary Specialists on Route 19 in Peters Township performed surgery to remove an arrow from a cat that had been found in California Borough. A staff veterinarian and local animal control officer Kym Secreet both gave the opinion that the wounding of the animal was intentional.
During the prior week, the forensic science lab at Waynesburg University tested cat food from Canonsburg and found that it contained antifreeze, with the suspicion that a neighbor of the cats’ caretaker placed it there.
And in the same borough:
“This summer has been a bad summer for pulling cats off the street that have been shot with BB gun pellets,” Gina Nestor of the Canonsburg Cat Committee reported.
Cats can cause problems. But inflicting pain and suffering is no way to handle such issues.
The Almanac’s “Causes for Cats” series focuses this week on a humane method of dealing with stray and feral cats through trapping, spaying/neutering, vaccinating and releasing them. Not only are they incapable of reproducing, their behavior is altered with regard to them making less noise and diminishing their need for urine markings.
Taking care of cats in that manner takes a tremendous amount of effort, and fortunately, volunteers with several groups throughout the region always are ready to help. If you know of felines in need of such services, see the accompanying list of contacts.
Even if you’re far from a cat lover, addressing issues in that manner is preferable to the cruelty alternative, especially considering the potential for the hefty fine and prison time.