Tragic situation caused by pet overpopulation

(From The Advertiser)



To the Editor:



I’m writing in response to an article in the Chronicle-Herald by Gordon Delaney (“Valley man’s death reveals collection of neglected cats�), an article in the Chronicle-Herald by Paul Pickrem, Oct. 9, 2006 (“Concern for cats went ‘overboard’�) and an article by Patty Mintz in The Advertiser, Oct. 10, 2006 (“Big-hearted cat lover couldn’t say no�).

In my opinion, the only reporter who did extensive research into the life of Chuck Eisnor and by doing so presented balance to his story was reporter Patty Mintz. In her article, the viewpoints of all who knew Chuck - whether they disagreed or agreed with his policies - were presented in a clear, concise but thoughtful manner.

All of us at one time or another can recall when we have been misjudged and all of us can remember how it felt. Chuck - like the cats he worked so hard to protect - cannot now speak for himself, so it’s important for those who knew him to speak for him.

To many in the community, Chuck was seen as a kind of social worker for people who have cat problems. He was a quiet, average educated person who in his lifetime made a tremendous amount of noise to try to make institutions understand that there was a need here that had to be addressed.

At times, Chuck, his house and his vehicle looked disheveled. However, before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to know that the reason he looked like that was because everything he ever did and everything he ever made was given to his cats.

While living in New Minas and still a member of WAAG, Chuck had 58 cats living in his house. He was investigated by the Provincial SPC and everything was found to be in order. At that time, Chuck’s cats were all sterilized and he had two glowing letters of references from veterinarians.

As I’ve never been there, I cannot personally comment on the conditions of the cats on Melanson Mountain. I wish to make it clear; I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Darlene Millett and the difficult job she has. She is a dedicated, conscientious individual who basically is on call 24-7.

I do believe that some of the cats were sick simply because Chuck was the only one who would take in and care for animals that were sick. All three humane societies - PAWS, WAAG and SPCA - knew that Chuck had a large number of cats and that basically his home was, in reality, a shelter for cats.

For me to read the comments of an individual in the Chronicle-Herald that basically stated people should speak out if you see something not right, consider the animals first. I find it ironic when the same individual knew about the situation, believed it wasn’t right, and did not speak out.

This tragic situation was caused by pet overpopulation and the bottom line is 70 cats were euthanized: their heartbeats stilled, their eyes unblinking, their purrs and whimpers silenced.

However, if you believe like I do that animals go to the same place we go when we die, imagine, if you will, the euphoria of the reunion when Chuck was there to greet his beloved cats.



Dorothy Richert

Kentville