Upset at the Ottawa Humane Society - Page 2

**sandra** · #21 12-01-06, 07:57 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by nonamian_girl

I have to say I was really surprised when I read this. BUT, when you think about it from the Humane Society's point of view, it makes sense, because there are literally HUNDREDS of kittens born every year because an owner didn't spay their animals just because they didn't think it would happen to them. So I wouldn't take it personally, they are just protecting themselves.

I understand what you are saying. They dont want to be over populated with kittens/cats. Do you do at least agree with me when I say that I 'must' not be the only one in this situation and them shutting people down for that is encouraging breeders? My 9 year old cat sure wont get a litter....but them refusing me a GP will encourage a breeder... You see what I mean? So the OHS is more on the losing end by giving no choice but to get one from a breeder. Its like they see all as 'black' or 'white' without a 'gray' zone. My kitty must of not been fixed but showing that I cared for her for 9 years didnt even make them realise that I am committed. I just want my GP to have a friend. If I cant get one from someone that doesnt want their GP anymore ... then I'll have one from a breeder. Not what I wanted in first place but doesnt leave me any choice. I've got ads, I'll see how it goes.

**nonamian_girl** · #22 12-01-06, 08:10 am

I see what you mean but I don't necessarily agree. They DO give you a choice--fix your cat. They are not encouraging you to go to a breeder, they are encouraging you to play it safe and fix your cat. It's just their policy, and if they made exceptions it wouldn't be a policy. I know you say that you won't breed your cat, but sadly they can't just go on Scout's Honour and believe you. I personally know people who have let an unfixed cat slip out and it's just something that happens, so the Humane Society doesn't want to take chances.

Don't take it personally and don't go to a breeder just to spite them. Take it easy, keep looking through those newspaper ads because a piggie in need WILL find their way to you.

**smartorl** · #23 12-01-06, 08:10 am

I would also not adopt to a person with an unspayed or unneutered cat or dog. The reason is with regard to the overpopulation problem and from a meidcal standpoint which may or may not have been what there person was averting to is that unspayed females run a much higher risk of uterine cancer and most will at some point end up with a uterine infection from not being spayed. It is a health risk. Indoor cats can escape and can become pregnant like any other animal. Meaning no offense to you but not spaying a cat because of it's indoor status is really not a wise decision for you or the cat. While your intentions appear to be pure, understand that there are alot of people who's aren't. By having the fertile animal, you put yourself into the same category as the people that have the unfixed cat dropping kittens every few months. I am not saying that is what you are doing only asking that you put yourself in the position of the shelter. Should you go and ask for a special look into your circumstances, sure, I would, however, don't criticize the system. That system is all about rehoming animals into situations where they will not be hurt, bred, or abandoned after a few months. Whatever your choices or reasoning is for having a fertile cat, understand how it looks to someone with another animals livelihood at stake. I don't understand why you can't see that.

**sandra** · #24 12-01-06, 08:30 am

Each got different point of views, different opinions and this can go on forever. I think all the issues has been raised. So I'll just let you know guys know when I get my new GP and will be posting pics. I'll end this thread with those cute pic of Miss Piggy....

**cookie_gal** · #25 12-01-06, 08:57 am

I personally think dogs and cats should all be spayed but not to adopt out just because someone doesn't have their pet fixed is a bit off to me. There could be many animals missing out on good homes because of this. Of course I understand the reasons for the shelters to do this but I am just concerned about animals missing out on good homes and being confined to a life in shelters because of this. Just because the cat is not spayed does not mean she may breed the guinea pig etc.

There may be reasons for not having a cat/dog fixed, costs, worries about anaethsia, vets in area not reliable etc etc.

Just my two penny's.

**smartorl** · #26 12-01-06, 08:59 am

If you feel that you are an exception then you always have the right to dispute your case with a shelter manager. Just understand that the rules are there as guidelines to protect the animals.

**CavySpirit** · #27 12-01-06, 12:21 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by cookie_gal

I personally think dogs and cats should all be spayed but not to adopt out just because someone doesn't have their pet fixed is a bit off to me. There could be many animals missing out on good homes because of this. Of course I understand the reasons for the shelters to do this but I am just concerned about animals missing out on good homes and being confined to a life in shelters because of this. Just because the cat is not spayed does not mean she may breed the guinea pig etc.

Honestly, most people that go to a shelter to adopt an animal are already keenly well aware of the issue of pet overpopulation and that is why they are there. They are already committed to 'doing the right thing.' And the vast majority of people who go to shelters go to adopt cats or dogs and are also already very much aware of every shelter's policy on spay/neuter. PREVENTION is JOB ONE. Death results in the absense of prevention. Again, almost everyone who goes to a shelter to adopt already understands this. So, to suggest that there could be many animals missing out on a good home for people at shelters who are turned away from adopting non-cats and dogs in this circumstance is an exaggeration.

"My 9 year old cat sure wont get a litter...." Is certainly not true. Accidents can happen. You can't guarantee she won't. While it's likely she won't, it's not a given.

"There may be reasons for not having a cat/dog fixed, costs, worries about anaethsia, vets in area not reliable etc etc."

Every shelter that has a spay/neuter policy almost always has a low-cost spay/neuter clinic/vet associated with it. Spay/neuter is probably the most common vet surgery. I can't imagine being worried about a finding a competent vet.

Sandra, look forward to seeing your new guinea pig when you find one. Also hope you consider getting your cat spayed.

**nonamian_girl** · #28 12-01-06, 03:12 pm

Miss Piggy is adorable! She looks like she has quite the personality too!

PS. Email ccrawford@golden.net . I adopted Francie from her. She's located just outside of London but they have driven quite far to adopt out piggers before, maybe you could arrange to meet her halfway or something.

**sandra** · #29 12-02-06, 10:15 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by nonamian_girl

Miss Piggy is adorable! She looks like she has quite the personality too!

PS. Email ccrawford@golden.net . I adopted Francie from her. She's located just outside of London but they have driven quite far to adopt out piggers before, maybe you could arrange to meet her halfway or something.

That is about 6 hour drive.... Someone is suppose to give me 2 GP today. I havent heard back from that person yet..... If he doesnt call back, I will be trying that email. Thanks so much!!!! PS Yes Miss Piggy got quite the personality

.... she is such a sweetie.

**fairysari** · #30 12-02-06, 10:57 am

Correct me if I'm mistaken, but I believe Coiler, who has posted in this thread, is trying to rehome an unexpected litter in Montreal? Perhaps that would be a little closer than London. You could always try Kingston, or another nearby town (I think there's an SPCA in Smith's Falls even) to see if maybe they have a different policy.

**sandra** · #31 12-02-06, 11:10 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by fairysari

Correct me if I'm mistaken, but I believe Coiler, who has posted in this thread, is trying to rehome an unexpected litter in Montreal? Perhaps that would be a little closer than London. You could always try Kingston, or another nearby town (I think there's an SPCA in Smith's Falls even) to see if maybe they have a different policy.

She does a gorgeous of a gp in Montreal. (the pics she sent me is way too cute!) But I wont be going to Montreal until the end of December. She knows that if I dont find one before or if she doesnt re-home one before that I'd be taking it. I just checked the OHS and they have 11 GP to be re-home...

Really sad. I hope to have my 2 new girls today.

**sandra** · #32 12-02-06, 01:28 pm

I Just got my 2 new girls today. They are still nervous. They are beauties.... How long do have to keep my new piggies in a different cage before letting them go 'live' with my piggy?

**fourbwabbys** · #33 12-02-06, 01:58 pm

They need ot be in quarentine in a different room for 3 weeks before moving in with your other pig.

**sandra** · #34 12-02-06, 02:15 pm

How about Play time? Can I get them together to see if they get along? I was about to put them in seperate cages but in a same room so they could at least know each other. Thats what the girl at the Humane said to do. I was wondering just for how long.

**fourbwabbys** · #35 12-02-06, 02:41 pm

They can have 0 contact for 3 weeks. You can do intros after the 3 weeks. They need to be in seperate rooms incase they have any illnesses that can be transfered to your pigs.

**this_lil_piggy** · #36 12-04-06, 08:40 pm

I understand the goal of the humane society/shelters. I understand when you say they refuse a gp because a cat isn't fixed is bascially because they wont put an animal into a home where animals are commonly unsterilized---it is against their policy.

But I have a few questions, not out of arguement, but because I am curious....
Many conversations I have read here in the kitchen have demonstrated to me that most shelters/human societies do not spay/neuter guinea pigs. So it baffles me why they would be concerned with an unspayed indoor cat if they don't sterilize the gp's that adopt out of their facility. Does the Ottawa H.S. sterilize guinea pigs that they adopt out? Also, did they even ask about your current gp and wether or not she is fixed?
If the answer to both questions is yes, there is no need for explanation. But if the answer to either question is no, I would like for someone to explain to me why they wouldn't do both, rather than focus in on an unrelated cat.
thanks!

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