An Army of Cats Can Hurt and Not Necessarily Help the Villagers of Atascaderos Mexico with Their Rodent Problem.
Pet Expert Charlotte Reed offers her insights on the Associated Press article that stated Mexico is drafting an Army of Cats to combat Rodent Problem in Chihuahua state.
(PRWEB) September 30, 2004 -- The Mexican State of Chihuahua should be
ashamed of itself posting advertisements asking for donation of cats to help
control the rodent population. It is unfortunate that the villagers in
Astascaderos are suffering losses but there has to be a better way to control
the rat population in that community. Sending an army of cats to Astascadersos
is just ridiculous!
Firstly, the plan to send cats to Astascaderos
demonstrates that some Mexican government officials have no regard for animal
life. It will encourage Mexican citizens to easily dispose of felines without
taking any responsibility for their future. It will also encourage others to
steal cats from wanted homes.
Secondly, vaccinating and spaying or
neutering the cats is a necessary means to cut down on the feline population but
what will the government do to ensure these feline soldiers’ care and
protection. Already, cats in Atascaderos have already died from eating the
poison left from the villagers. This Army of 700 in the battle field most likely
will suffer the same fate. And, these cats will have no defense
against other
wild animals, vehicles or animal tormentors.
Thirdly, in recent years,
cats have become infected by plague. Cats are susceptible to contracting the
illness from infected rodents and the fleas from these animals. Cats are
particularly susceptible because of their natural hunting instincts.
Cats
can become infected and spread the infection to their humans in several ways:
Through the cat's saliva, blood, or by airborne transmission via sneezing or
coughing. Additionally, cats can bring infection to humans by transporting dead
or injured infected rodents to homes, or the fleas associated with
rodent.
The less serious, more common bubonic phase of this illness can
sometimes become the more serious and often fatal pneumonic plague. Pneumonic
plague is readily transmittable to humans through sneezing, coughing or other
oral routes.
And when the job is done...What will Mexico do to dispose of
the feline soldiers that are no longer useful?
Charlotte Reed is a Pet
Expert Living in New York City. To learn more about her visit,
charlottereed.com.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/9/prweb163164.htm