Is it illegal/inhumane to spray cats w/ a spraybottle to stop them entering my private fenced in yard?

Question

I have 2 young dogs, maltese, both very lovable, each weighing less than 2 lbs., both very friendly toward other people & animals. I live in a small group of units, each unit has a very small fenced-in private back courtyard. When I am home I leave the door open so my dogs can enter/exit freely. The person next door has cats who jump the fence, wander the neighbourhood, scratch my dogs unprovoked, spray/defecate in my yard, enter my house, eat the dog's food, knock over things in the house. The vet suggested I get a spray bottle & spray them when they come in my yard. The cat's owner saw me doing this, got really angry & started yelling. She also stated that it was inhumane according to the RSPCA & illegal to spray cats with water. Does anyone know if this is true or false? Any further advice? The neighbour said quite meanly to shut my door and don't let the dogs out because cats can wonder wherever they want, that cats don't have the same roaming laws as dogs.

Answer 1

Although it seems obvious to anyone who has ever had a cat that it is ok to spray water at a cat to modify their behaviour, I contacted the RSPCA, the SPCA, the police and the city council, and the Legal Aid Society for their opinions because I have a similar problem. (I don't have dogs, but the neighbours cats were constantly entering my garden and spraying the house with urine.)

It is not considered illegal, cruel, or inhumane by any of the above agencies to spray a cat with a spray bottle or water hose to get them off your property, in fact they all recommend the practice. They stated that you have the right to defend your property and pets by any humane means necessary. I was told that as long as you are not spraying a poisonous chemical at the cat, using excessive water pressure (e.g., the pressure of a fireman's hose), or drenching the cat with extremely cold water in the dead of winter, you can spray cats to get them off your property. You can even use a water hose, citronella, or any other nonlethal, nonpoisonous substance that the cat may find adversive. (The RSPCA also stated that they sell a product called "Get off my garden," citronella, and a high pressure noise spray for exactly this purpose, it is a common problem.)

Furthermore, they stated that even if a cat is not bothering your animals or your property and you are just annoyed that they are on your property, you have the right to get them off your property.

Obviously, the person above who stated "it could lead to your neighbour suing you" and that you should not let your dogs "run around while you are not around" responded out of ignorance and did not even read the question/details properly. The question details clearly state that you let your dogs out in your fenced yard when you are home, and even if you were not home you have the right to let your dogs out in a secure, fenced in area. And to say that you should not leave food out for your animals is crap, you do not have to change your dogs' feeding patterns to suit your neighbours cat. That is as ludicrous as saying you should, for example, paint your house purple because your neighbour likes that colour better than white... I hate when people respond to questions with ill-informed opinion alone, get a life time traveller and stop spreading false information.

One other note, I was also told that you can and should call the animal patrol officer to pick up the cat if they it not leave your property. At your written request, the RSPCA can also provide a cat trap for your property and pick up the cat when you let them know the trap was successful.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

spraying animals with normal water will NOT hurt them, you need to tell the lady who screamed at you that IF she is so concerned about her cats getting sprayed then she needs to keep them inside or get them a new home. And since your yard is fenced in they shouldnt be jumping the fence in the first place. letting ur dogs out while you are there is cool. go on the RSPCA site and see what their regulations are though

Answer 4

It could lead to your neighbour sueing you. Then you would have to counter sue to defend what you say has been done to your dogs and house. However you should not be leaving your dogs to run around like that when you are out. Your neighbour will mention that to the court and the RSPCA if they get involved.

Stop spraying the cats. You don't have any legal right to do that. Only let your dogs run around when you are home and keep an eye on them.

Only put out food when you dogs are going to eat it. When the cats don't see food lying aorund all day they will have no reason to go into your house. Also it is odd that cats are eating your dog food, the smell is usually too strong for cats and they don't touch it.

I suggest you talk to your neighbour and try to resolve the situation. Ask them to add some higher fencing on their side of the garden for example.

Answer 5

It's not illegal or inhumane, as long as you just use water and not some dangerous chemical. Many cat owners use water pistols just to keep their cats off of the counter.

Answer 6

It's fine as long as it's just plain water out of the cold tap.

Orange Peel is also supposed to be an effective deterrent against cats (don't like the citrus smell).

Answer 7

No. If you are only spraying the cats with regular water at room temperature it is not illegal.

Answer 8

no
it is not illegal.
infact, it is actually recommended by professionals to give a cat a quick spray to stop bad behavior.

Answer 9

no its not in fact some people use it to train them if they do something you want to teach them not to do them just give them a little spray and they should take off running. its not like you are harming them in any way you are just spraying a little water on them to scare them away

Answer 10

Sounds like you should listen to your vet more than your neighbour. Cats can take a little bit of water. They just don't like it.