HomeMy WebLinkAboutHumane Society Ferel Cat Letter animal humane society
December 17, 2009
Oak Park Heights
Chief of Police
P.O. Box 2007
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
Dear Chief of Police,
The Animal Humane Society is currently under contract to provide impound
housing services for your municipality. I am writing to notify you of an amendment
to the contract for services that AHS is making on all contracts it holds with
individual municipalities. This notification provides the 30 day notice required in
our current contract and gives you until January 31, 2010 to make any necessary
arrangements to accommodate the change.
Beginning February 1, 2010, AHS will no longer accept or provide services for feral
cats seized under municipal authority by your Community Services or Animal
Control Officers.
As you may be aware, a small animal welfare organization in Hastings has alleged
that AHS is operating outside Minnesota State Law in its handling of felines that are
deemed feral upon surrender. AHS has sought legal advice and firmly believes that
we are acting within the bounds of state law and in the best interests of the animals
it is responsible for. This same organization has also threatened suit against our
municipal partners should they continue to work with AHS. You likely have
received this communication directly, if they are aware of your contractual
relationship with AHS.
As you probably know, feral cats are cats that have lived in the wild and know no
human care or contact. It is often the case that any contact with humans, even to
provide care, causes them immense suffering that will not subside even with proper
care and treatment. If in such a case, the veterinarian makes a determination that
the animal is suffering and beyond cure through reasonable care and treatment,
AHS is authorized to end that suffering promptly through euthanasia, under
Buffalo * Coon Rapids * Golden Valtey * St. Paul * Woodbury
Telephone 763 522 4325
www.animaLhumanesociety.org
Minnesota Statutes § 343.29, subd. 2 (seizure of neglected animals) and Minnesota
Statutes § 343.22, subd. 3 (seizure of animals in cruelty investigation).
We have made every effort to resolve this issue amicably, including meeting with
the parties threatening suit. I am sorry to say that our efforts failed. The other
party is unwilling to compromise and has consistently not acted in good faith
according to the rules of behavior agreed upon going in to negotiations.
It is not in the interest of the Animal Humane Society, the municipalities and most
importantly the animals to endure a lengthy and costly legal battle over an issue
that impacts about 50 cats that are surrendered annually by your community and
the others with which AHS works. This type of action would take very limited
resources away from the animals we serve and redirect our staff from the day - today
business of helping animals. We believe our partner cities would be in a similar
position.
There are other options for communities to review in planning to handle a feral cat
issue. At this time AHS does not operate a feral cat program but we can refer you
to resources should you be interested.
Enclosed is the amended contract for your review and signature. In order to
continue your relationship and receive services from AHS beyond the end of
January 2010, we need to receive your signed contract by January 31, 2010.
If you have questions or concerns about this change, please contact President and
CEO, Janelle Dixon, at 763- 489 -2254.
Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to a continued relationship
that allows us to serve the people and animals of your community.
Sincerely,
J e Dixon
esident and CEO
Animal Humane Society