Keep Your Cats IndoorsIn light of the several cats who have apparently been killed by coyotes in central Florida recently, I urge everyone to keep their cats indoors and allow them outdoors only on a leash or in a fenced-in yard, under close supervision. Hungry coyotes aren’t the only reason to keep Kitty indoors: Cats who are allowed outdoors are at risk of becoming trapped or lost, being stolen by “bunchers” who sell animals to laboratories for painful experiments or dogfighters who use friendly cats as “bait,” getting hit by cars, being tortured by cruel people, contracting deadly diseases like rabies and feline leukemia, or ingesting rat poison or antifreeze. Every year, our office receives chilling reports of animals who have been shot, set on fire, had their mouths duct-taped shut, and worse after being left outside alone for “just a few minutes.” Free-roaming cats often become predators themselves, taking a massive toll on vulnerable wildlife species including birds and small mammals. For tips on keeping cats content in the “great indoors,” visit www.HelpingAnimals.com. - Martin Mersereau, Supervisor, Emergency Response Team Cruelty Investigations Department, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
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