For all the news coverage generated by the inadvertent euthanizing of a stray, unmarked cat you would think the crime of the century had been committed.
Yes, I did say inadvertent as the peace officer involved misinterpreted the wording of the existing bylaw. Town officials state there was a “lack of policies that was a contributing factor.” OK, “lack of experience” was also said to be involved, so why crucify the officer involved?
It is stated that Brandi Gray’s resignation was accepted effective immediately. To me that sounds somewhat conspiratorial. In my humble opinion at most Brandi should have been reprimanded for the action and given a two-day suspension to review town policies relating to the event. But accepting her resignation? Seems a bit harsh to me. I personally wonder how “voluntary” her resignation was.
As for the family involved, yes, you lost a beloved pet. A pet you allowed out of your property with absolutely no identifying information attached to the animal whatsoever. You probably wonder where the cat went and what it was doing. I do not know where it went but I do know what it was doing. It was out there urinating and defecating in the flower beds of your neighbours. Certainly not by their invitation I can assure you.
When a cat does its business in a flower bed that pretty much ruins the ground for any future planting and the stench seems to hang on forever. Were you at all concerned about the damage your cat was doing to other folks' property? A truly responsible pet owner keeps the animal contained in their own property.
As for the town, all dogs must be licensed. Why not cats? If the cat in question had been licensed the Piesse family would have been informed of its capture and the cat would be with them today.
Bill Crist
Innisfail
Editor's note: While the family of Mikey the cat has confirmed their late pet was not licensed, it was micro-chipped for identification. The family maintains their late cat was not a stray but adopted by the family six years ago from a pet store.
