Lakin, KS recently passed a series of ordinances which put all its feline friends at risk of trapping and euthanasia. In a rush to "clean up the cat problem" the city managers enacted policies which made it "unlawful for the owner to permit any cat to run at large". Outdoor cats were "declared a nuisance and menace to the public health which is to be abated by the animal control officer". These ordinances can be viewed on Facebook at City of Lakin, KS or www.lakinkansas.org. While Kansas law requires a minimum of 3 day holding period in order for owners to claim their pets, Lakin has no means of housing the cats and public notification for the owners of trapped animals has been problematic. When asked about these and other issues the city leaders refused to answer any questions before consulting with their attorney. Sadly their attitude and their trap and kill policy has led some residents to believe they can take matters into their own hands and there have been a rash of documented cat poisonings. Besides being a despicable act, poisoning an animal is illegal and offenders should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. We demand these ill-conceived, inhumane ordinances be repealed immediately!
Dear Mayor Troy Michel
I feel strongly about the town's new trap and kill policies. Put a stop to the senseless murder of Lakin's cats and implement a trap, neuter, release (TNR) plan the town can be proud of. The TNR method of animal population control is humane, proven effective and the new standard for communities across the globe. Lakin has the opportunity to get this right and a group of enthusiastic volunteers ready to work with you if you will just let them.
