Caring for cats

<p>Editor: As the only national organization dedicated to feral and stray cats, we are very concerned by news that Petaluma has adopted an ordinance “regulating” the caregivers of feral cats.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><p>While there are good intentions behind this ordinance, it is the wrong approach. By mandating that nonprofit groups buy insurance for their volunteers without providing financial support and then requiring that caregivers register or risk prosecution, the city will only end up discouraging Good Samaritans and knowledgeable local cat groups, putting an end to programs that humanely stabilize the feral cat population. </p><p>Trap-neuter-return is a win for the cats and the community: It ends the breeding cycle and stops behaviors such as yowling, roaming and fighting. Petaluma would be far better served by funding and encouraging these programs instead of restricting them.</p><p>BECKY ROBINSON,</p><p>President, Alley Cat Allies</p><p>Bethesda, Md.</p>