In reference to the letter of Monday, July 21, 2008, “Cats in the Park” I fully understand the problem faced by Mr. Charles E. Giard.

I am an early morning walker in the Simpson Park. I always notice many feral/domestic cats running loose. I pointed this out numerous months ago in the “Letters to the editor” column.

It is the responsibility of the City of Chillicothe and the Parks Department to address this problem. This is now a health issue! These cats are released by their owners to run freely at night or dumped out to fend for themselves. They are breeding and taking a toll on the bird population in the park. I have seen many kittens. I have heard cat fights and I have also observed the cats breeding. The kittens and the feral cats are obviously not vaccinated and pose a health problem. These cats cannot be caught, vaccinated, spayed and them released for many reasons, mostly because of financial concerns. Even PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) do not advocate this method.

I suggest the following:
First and foremost: The City of Chillicothe and/or the Parks Department MUST address this problem.

Second: Start immediately live trapping these cats and if after a certain amount of time, if no one comes to claim them, they should be euthanized.

Third: Make a law where it is unlawful to feed the cats.

Now, a not to the people who feed the cats. With the permission of the City and the Parks Department, why don’t you set up feeding stations to feed the birds and the squirrels? They are the “true” wild animals which belong in Simpson Park.

Patrons are encouraged to visit our beautiful Simpson Park and justly so. Patrons should also have the privilege of expecting they are not subjected unnecessarily to a health concern.

— J.J. Fox
Chillicothe, Mo.