For the Cat People - Loews at Universal Studios removing feral colony to be killed

[snarlingcoyote]

Just thought I would share for those of us who are friends to kitties, especially the ferals out there.

http://www.alleycat.org/page.aspx?pid=1168

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

Just thought I would share for those of us who are friends to kitties, especially the ferals out there.

http://www.alleycat.org/page.aspx?pid=1168

Poor kitties. I heard about this problem before we went to Universal last year. I kept for my eyes open for them, but I didn't see a single cat our whole trip.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

Poor kitties. I heard about this problem before we went to Universal last year. I kept for my eyes open for them, but I didn't single cat our whole trip.

I read into the matter a bit more. Apparently these hotels have had managed feral colonies for a very, very long time, with appropriate food and shelter, run by employees, so they weren't a problem, but in the past few weeks, Loews management decided to have them "removed" and of course by removed, they mean sent to animal control, which will euthanize about 98% of the cats.

 

[padams]

We saw the kitties a few years ago when we were staying at the HRH.

 

[mytripsandraces]

That is so sad! I hope Disneyland doesn't do that - one of our traditions while we're there is to keep an eye out for the feral cats.

 

[marie1203]

that is so sad. I hate companies that say one thing and do the other.

 

[luvmy3]

I read into the matter a bit more. Apparently these hotels have had managed feral colonies for a very, very long time, with appropriate food and shelter, run by employees, so they weren't a problem, but in the past few weeks, Loews management decided to have them "removed" and of course by removed, they mean sent to animal control, which will euthanize about 98% of the cats.

I don't really see a problem with that. It isn't Loew's responsibility to take care of cats, its isn't the employee's either, especially when they are "on the clock". Why are they expected to continue the practice, they aren't a zoo or an animal shelter?

 

[CathrynRose]

I don't really see a problem with that. It isn't Loew's responsibility to take care of cats, its isn't the employee's either, especially when they are "on the clock". Why are they expected to continue the practice, they aren't a zoo or an animal shelter?

Because Loews for years has prided themselves on being pet-friendly. They host SPCA fundraisers, have special meals for animals staying in their facilities.... they've built a reputation of being very, very pro-animal.

And - and and ... read this quote:

Robinson noted that the cats at the Loews Orlando resorts are feral cat colonies that have been neutered, vaccinated and cared for by employees as part of a longtime Trap-Neuter-Return program. The cats were living peaceful, healthy lives and no longer breeding. Trap-Neuter-Return is the only effective and humane approach to feral cats, because it stabilizes the population and makes the cats healthier and better neighbors.

Anyone wanting to send an email - there's one pre-written here, at the bottom link. Just takes a few clicks:

http://www.petside.com/article/feral-cat-colony-ousted-loews-hotel-chain

 

[luvmy3]

Because Loews for years has prided themselves on being pet-friendly. They host SPCA fundraisers, have special meals for animals staying in their facilities.... they've built a reputation of being very, very pro-animal.

And - and and ... read this quote:

Okay, they pride themselves on being pet-friendly, but these aren't pets they are feral cats. Who pays for the food given to them, and who pays for them to be vaccinated? Does Loew's employees transport the feral cats to the vet to keep up with their vaccines? I'm just trying to get a clear picture of just what kind of responsibility Loews has, because as I see it they don't have any. They can choose to take care of these animals, or they can choose not to. I'm Okay with it either way.
ETA I have never seen a feral cat colony at any place I've ever stayed, and I can tell you that I'm happy about that. I don't want to be surrounded by stray cats when I'm on vacation and I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels that way. Maybe Loew's is trying to keep their customers who have complained happy? Maybe the cats are too expensive? Who know why, all I know is that they do have the right to oust them.

 

[PeterPan09]

The cats do provide a service in that they keep the population of other less cuddly animals down and guests are not seeing those. I'm thinking that a guest would have a much more negative reaction to seeing a rat walk by their building than a cat.

 

[luvmy3]

The cats do provide a service in that they keep the population of other less cuddly animals down and guests are not seeing those. I'm thinking that a guest would have a much more negative reaction to seeing a rat walk by their building than a cat.

Maybe, but I've never seen one anywhere I've stayed either. So either those places had hidden cat colonies, or no rat problem.

I do think its sad that these cats will be euthanized but I don't see it as Loew's responsibilty to continue to care for them just because they have in the past, and because everyone else thinks they should.

 

[Planogirl]

It sounds like Loew's needs to check the practices of the company they hired but I'm not convinced that this is actually so cruel. I'm on the fence when it comes to the practice of having feral cats running around places and I'm certainly a cat lover.

Loew's claims that they consulted with several agencies and that this decision is due to liability and health issues. I wonder what brought this on.