Euthanize cats

Re “Norfolk’s animal shelter violated veterinary standards, state inspectors say” (July 14): The report of state veterinary violations at the Norfolk Animal

Care Center did not surprise me given my experience bringing a feral cat to NACC. I trapped a feral cat in my yard and brought it to NACC. NACC refused to accept it; I was advised to release it in my neighborhood.

I do not want feral cats in my neighborhood. I took the cat to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. NACC changed its tune when PETA called them, and it accepted the cat from PETA. If I did not know PETA was available to help, I would have had to pay a vet to euthanize the cat.

Previously, NACC would loan a resident a trap, and an animal control officer would pick up a trapped feral cat, bring it to the shelter, and it would be euthanized. NACC now refers residents to a nonprofit group that traps, neuters and releases cats back into the community. Funds are limited and they request payment for services. NACC expects Norfolk residents to care for feral cats at their expense. They demand that we accept feral cats on our property.

NACC’s top priority is to reduce euthanasia numbers, at the expense of animal welfare and community health. NACC requires an appointment, during limited hours, to turn in unwanted pets; they charge a surrender fee. We cannot warehouse animals in crowded unhealthy conditions. It is time for NACC to return to an open shelter, accept all unwanted pets, strays, and feral cats, and euthanize the unadoptable.

Lisa Billow, Norfolk