[c9pilot]

clip>>>You are forgetting about one predator that will not be stopped by a screened lanai, humans. <<<clip

This is true, but I do believe that all the arguments against keeping animals are not cumulative. Anyone considering keeping them "outside" (my situation not fitting the stereotypical "outside" scenario) should assess their own risk. I would consider my theft risk to be near zero. Even if I thought theft was a real threat in my neighborhood, there are many, many more things of value in my front yard, backyard, and lanai that someone would walk away with. (On a lighter note, the only theft this year in our neighborhood was the beer out of an outside fridge, and we're all pretty sure their neighbors were "borrowing" them.) And at our house thieves would have to contend with the bull-type dog and the "watch-parrots" that put up quite a commotion when anybody is even in the backyard next door.

clip>>>There is such a thing as a "tired quote" when it comes to animal welfare?<<<clip

Why, I certainly think so. One starts coming across as shrill & hyper-emotional rather than smart & rational.
When I read an over-used quote in nearly any forum, I just roll my eyes and move on to a more logical response. I'm on a Real Estate forum and there are a few whose response to practically everything is "Your home is NOT an investment". Whether you agree or not agree, think it's just not that simple, it is rarely helpful to the OP.

Can we agree to disagree?