We have 6 cats and live out in the country. Our cats are indoor/outdoor. This past week one of our cats came home and had been shot in the right shoulder, being the second of our cats this has happened to in the last 8 months. Both cats had to have their right arms amputated. There are only 6 people on my street, and we have talked with them about the possibility of our cats being a nuiciance, and to let us know if they want them kept away. All of our neighbors claimed they didn't mind our cats one bit. Most of the cats stay in our yard anyway, or hang out in the woods.
We just found out a nasty old man lives way back in those same woods with his mangy dog, and he likes to shoot things on his property. I called our sheriff's office and was informed he has the right to shoot anything on his property, because there is a leash law in this state!!
This just seems rediculous to me. Is this just the backwards state I live in, or is this law common elsewhere?
2007-08-17 02:07:07 · 6 answers · asked by eyerishiz 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Well the question isn't what I should do about my cats...the question is if there are similar laws elsewhere.
Since the original shooters were confronted by the police, we figured the situation would have resolved itself. We didn't know their trigger happy grandpa lived back behind us, and figured the cats would be safe outside again.
Since this last incident they have all been under house arrest, trying everything possible to escape. They're all under the kitchen table now plotting my demise!!!
2007-08-17 02:41:01 · update #1
Personally I'd have questioned the police what they would have done if the bullet went into a child who could be following the cat, since then it would be assault. Bullets go till they're stopped, and if he's shooting within 100 yards of another person's property he's breaking laws in most states.
Keep your cats indoors, that's the only way to keep them from his property.
Yes, nearly all states allow 'stray' animals to be shot on a person's property if the owner finds them objectionable, if they're causing damage, or if they're attacking someone. They can NOT shoot anything that has a hunting season assigned to it (rabbits, deer, pheasant) out of season, or without a license.
Cats, dogs, horses, cattle, sheep--anything owned by another but which is not under the owner's control and is on another person's property has the potential of being shot by an idiot and he can usually hold this up legally in court.
That's why I mentioned about the fact that a bullet could continue in the line of fire if it misses and potentially hit a kid--that'd be your likely only strong objection that would work with the police on this.
Leash laws cover cats, dogs, horses, etc. Yes, they do exist. Your city clerk has all the local animal ordinances on the books that you can check if you want to go down to your courthouse.
2007-08-17 17:39:25 · answer #1 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think he's right - now I don't live in the States, but I believe many states over there do have a law that states that animals can't be loose outside of your own property - or something to that extend. I've heard that mentioned before.
Now personally I'm all for keeping cats indoors only, or indoors with access to an enclosed yard/ playpen, because of all the horrible things that could happen to them (cars, disease, agressive animals, toxic substances, abuse)and because of the trouble they might be for other people that didn't choose to have cats.
If I were you I'd certainly consider giving them a safely enclosed area given your (and your cats'!!!) experiences.
Regardless of what is law, I'm sure you wouldn't want this to happen again, right?
To answer your question; we don't have a law like that over here (the Netherlands). Which doesn't mean it wouldn't be wise to. (But people aren't allowed to shoot anything off their property here either - one could even be sued by a burglar for hurting him :( )
We do have leash laws for dogs but those can be set by individual towns.
Hope that your cat is going to feel well soon!
2007-08-17 02:42:59 · answer #2 · answered by Mags 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most cities have laws requiring you to keep your pet on your own property...This does not mean a cat has to be on a leash - it can be kept indoors or in a fenced in cat section...
I had somebody build me one out of 2x4's and chicken wire - next to my house using the window for the cats to access the area.. there is a gate on one end so I can enter if I need to .. there are logs and stuff for them.. My sister has a similar one built under her raised deck with a basement window for access..
I am in Canada - neighbours are not allowed to shoot offending pets - they can take them to the SPCA or similar shelter, however I am sure alot of people do poison animals, shoot them, or catch them and dump them far away.
2007-08-17 03:13:43 · answer #3 · answered by CF_ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The sheriff is right . . . cats are classed in the same way as wild animals, so it is legal to shoot, trap & poison them, just the same as with foxes, raccoons, opossums & coyotes.
Have you tried speaking to this "trigger happy grandpa"?
2007-08-17 02:50:07 · answer #4 · answered by Helena 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Even if there wasn't a leash law it wouldn't matter. Your cat is on someone's property and they have the right to take care of it. I would keep your cats in the house to ensure their safety.
2007-08-17 02:29:37 · answer #5 · answered by Teresa V 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Honestly I think after my first cat got shot I would have kept all of my cats in for their safety.
2007-08-17 02:33:39 · answer #6 · answered by Vic 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋