NUISANCE BY CATS

Notice 2018 No 11

CONCERN REGARDING NUISANCE BEING CREATED BY CATS WHICH ARE ALLOWED TO ROAM FREELY IN THE SUMMERWOOD VILLAGE.

Dear Member/Resident,

1. The Association’s Management Committee during the course of a meeting on 21 February 2018 considered the fact that whilst the Conduct Rules make reference to nuisances created by dogs, adequate mention is not made of the source of the annoyance to many residents created by the cats which are allowed by their owners to roam freely in the village.

2. In their discussions the Trustees made mention of the process of dealing with stray cats which was undertaken some years back, but the fact was emphasised that all cats wandering about the village are not necessarily strays. The Committee felt compelled to apply their minds to the nuisance being created by the free-roaming cats, especially the continuous defecating in the property of neighbours, and to establish whether a solution existed to the general problem.

3. In an internet article which asks the question whether cats should be allowed to roam, Debbie Sentes in an account of the Regina Cat Rescue states the following:
“Every animal’s life has value, and each one is a unique, irreplaceable individual with needs and feelings, just like us! Responsible pet ownership (emphasis by the author) means we should provide our animals with love, kindness, good quality pet food, shelter, sterilizations, vet care and safety. One major way we can keep our pets safe is by keeping them under control in our own yards, and not letting them roam. Cats not kept in check face many dangers such as being injured or killed by cars or other animals, freezing to death in winter, acts of cruelty, getting accidentally locked in sheds and garages, and consuming poisons. Keeping your pet indoors or restricted to your own yard can improve relationships with neighbours who don’t appreciate your animal soiling in their yard or causing other problems. Roaming cats also kill or maim birds and other animals such as squirrels. Additionally, unsterilized cats allowed to roam contribute to the serious pet over-population problem.”

4. The endeavour to find a solution to the problem led to an opinion also being sought from a resident, Mr Leigh de Wet, who is very active in pet sitter services and is knowledgeable when dealing with cats and dogs. He provided 10 reasons why it is wise to give consideration to spaying or neutering your pets:
4.1 Your female dog or cat will live a longer, healthier life.
4.2 There are major health benefits for your male animal companion.
4.3 Your spayed female won’t go on heat.
4.4 Your male dog and cat are less likely to roam far from home.
4.5 Behaviour is improved towards humans.
4.6 Spaying or neutering will NOT make your pet fat.
4.7 Spaying or neutering is highly cost-effective.
4.8 It is good for the community.
4.9 Your pet does not need to have a litter for your children to witness the miracle of birth.
4.10 It packs a powerful punch in the fight against pet over-population.

5. The Committee, when discussing the issue of the nuisance being created for neighbours by cats wandering about the village, accepted the fact that it is in the nature of cats to be roamers and as such it is hardly possible to solve the problem entirely. The suggested neutering of male and spaying of female cats could to a degree lessen the problem, but the Trustees were hesitant to instruct all cat owners in the village to subject their pets to treatment of this nature. However, it was resolved that all animal owners in the village are to be advised that they as such are expected to take responsibility for the behaviour of their animals in the village, especially insofar as the creation of a nuisance to other residents is concerned.