Cat abandoned, thrown over fence at Fairhaven Animal Shelter

MASSACHUSETTS -- First she noticed an unfamiliar litter box and food dishes outside the fenced-in enclosure at the Fairhaven Animal Shelter.

Then, inside the fence but outside the building, the shelter volunteer saw a cat that hadn’t been there the day before.

The animal was apparently tossed over a six-foot tall chain link fence.

After spending a night in the chilly mid-March air, the cat was trying to enter the outdoor kennels, likely seeking access to the building.

Situations like this anger those who spend their lives rescuing animals.

“These animals aren’t to be discarded like trash,’’ said Dartmouth Animal Control Officer Sandy Gosselin.

Local shelter staff and animal control officers can provide resources for people unable or unwilling to keep their pets.

 “I’m more than willing to work with people,’’ said Fairhaven Animal Control Officer Kelly Massey. “If I can’t help them, I’ll be more than happy to point them in the direction of someone who can.’’

Although the cat in Fairhaven was unharmed, literally tossing animals can harm them, officials said.

Animal control officers and shelter staff stressed that people should call them at the first sign of an issue with an animal, rather than reach the point where the problem seems insurmountable.

“Call us the first time your puppy chews your shoes, not the 100th time,’’ said Melinda Ventura, executive director of the Humane Society and Shelter Southcoast. “We’ve worked really hard to get people to look at us as a resource, not as a last resort.’’

Dog problems often stem from a lack of training, Ventura said. Better behavior takes time to reinforce, she said. People will get "what you put into it.’’

Spaying and neutering animals also makes a significant difference, she said. “There are a lot of programs’’ for low-cost spaying and neutering, she said. “It’s just a matter of people stepping up and asking.’’
And even in the worst case scenario, legitimately surrendering an animal is far better than dumping it, both for the animal and for the shelter staff.

Having to relinquish an animal is not always a sign of an irresponsible owner, Ventura said. Children can develop allergies and landlords can refuse to allow pets, for example.

But doing it the right way is far more likely to have a happy ending, which is exactly what Massey wants for the cat that was dumped at her shelter. “She’s very loveable,’’ Massey said.

(South Coast Today - April 1, 2015)