Evening journal., 1914-08-17
WILMINGTON AND IT'S STRAY cars.

nUR city is overrm by stray and homeless cats
- and kittens. That fact has been for months.
and stll is, matter Of widespread and critical
ment The question naturally presents itself whether
steps should not be taken by the local branch
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals and kindred organizations to cope with this
cat and kitten situation in intelligent and humane
manner that viii relieve the community of menace
to health and also put end to much animal suffer-
ing that regrettably but naturally results from tho
presence in our city Of many unprotected and
neglected animals There are hundreds, IL not thou
sands, of such haf-staryed aud abused and kit
tens that should be put out of their misery in quick
and mercul manner. In reality. something should
have been done long to relieve situation that is
bad from the viewpoints OF public health and humane
ness
Kittens born of homeless mothers must necessarily
be thrown on the street and placed at the mercy Of
cruel-hearted humans and even more merciess dogs.
Thousands die annually under circumstances which
constitute reproach to mankind Those which sur
vve the period OF kittenhood and emerge into cat
hood receive even less consideration and kindness
from There few persons who have not
them crippled weak from starvation and almost
frozen to DEATH tortured by children day after day,
and many gone blind from diseases say nothing Of
the large number suffering from mango.
AZ the time of Miss Emily Webb's death one of our
local papers said; "If respected ourselves as
much as we should respect Miss Emily Webb, we would
raise monument TO her memory In opinion,
however, q would be of more value and Importance
to continue the good work commenced by Miss Webb
token of appreciation and respect No doubt she
would regard that her best monument
In Baltimore the 5. p. c. A. hires a man. who, when
informed Of crippled or suffering animal locates II
and puts It of It's misery, using tin cup sponge
and choroform for the purpose. The organization in
Baltimore also has in wagon and to capture
the homeless ones. They put to death in hu-
way. excepting those that can be provided with
| homes
The people also should be instructed to drown
every kitten when born unless assured Of good
home. That alone would prevent untold suffering ia
hundreds yet unborn.
II the money for this work cannot be provided in
any other way, there enough lovers OF dumb
animals who are sufficiently interested in their well
fare TO be glad of the opportunity to provide
the necessary funds for the protection of tn,
/ cats. Each person interested could donate small
amount weekly. according TO his her means Tn,
wealthy of city, too. could be depended upon tc
do their share. they are always willing TO assis
in humane enterprises
In fact it might be well to apply.to cats the sam,
regulations that apply 10 dogs and then enforc,
them 10 the letter. That would supply the funds
and also rid community OF homeless and abuse,
cats and kittens Admittedly IL would be more din
cult control the situation than n is to contro
the dog situation. but the work can be sccomplisho
II intelligent and take up with dc
termination to succeed