|
|
|
|
|
|
We are happy to report that some positive progress has been made with the officials at the Avenal State Prison.
The "psych building" has not been boarded up again as previously reported it would be, to leave the remaining cats that call this home to starve to death.
On December 28, 2000, Maureen Withrow, Ralph Franklin and myself paid a third visit to Avenal State Prison.
(Pictured top right, Lt. J. Malero and myself, Joyce Erickson-Bicknell)
Lt. J. Malero contacted the CFF office on December. 26, and after some discussion is was agreed upon that we would be able to come back to the prison, allowed access to various sites, and net cats as well as trap them.
|
|
(Pictured right, from left to right R. Franklin, M. Withrow and Lt. J. Malero of Avenal State Prison)
I also stated that we were still concerned about the fact that the personal were not allowed to removed some of the cats themselves. CFF also received phone calls from Stephen Green, Youth and Adult Correctional Agency, Sacramento, CA. and Rob Anderson, Department of Corrections Central Region, Bakersfield, CA. After discussion with both representatives assuring them that we fully understand the problem of over population of cats at the site, however our only goal was that the situation must be handled humanely and legally. The disturbing fact of these conversations with these two individuals is that the same problem exists in all prison sites in California as well as across the country. We have tried to be understanding with security policies that must be honored when visiting these institutions, but that doesn't mean that the problem cannot be corrected. I think persistence, logical understanding, and support by all of you that did write, FAX or contact in some way the persons responsible is what finally helped to open the doors in a positive manner, and allow us to try to assist them with the problem.
On our third visit, we did see two cats still under the "physc building". Traps had been baited and set, but due to lack of knowledge about cats in general, the cats just played on the traps, and basically ignored them. They had placed the traps in the open, a "no no". Maureen and Ralph took great patience with Steve Green, who has been hired to specifically to work with the problem. Explaining and showing the proper location for traps and the type of smelly bait, (cat food), to be used on the ground, etc. Guess what? The very next day they had trapped 3 cats and were brought to the Avenal Animal Control agency, where they were picked up the following day by a CFF volunteer and adopted to a family.
As I stood and observed the vast grounds of the prison, I wouldn't be surprised if there were 300 to 400 cats on site. One of the interesting observations is that they are all black, black & white, gray, gray & white. No tabbies, no torties, no calicos! Now I'm certain that I didn't see all of them, however I would estimate that I personally saw 150 to 200 and they were the same colors. The nine cats that CFF has had custody of have all been combo tested and all negative. Which is a great thing!
Many of you have come to the aid of the cats in the prison, now we need your help in a different way again. We need to provide the officials with good working traps. CFF recommends the Tomahawk Trap, rigid double door live trap. Some of the traps that are being used in effort to catch these cats, an elephant would have a hard time to trip. If any of you have ideas on how to obtain these traps, or funds to purchase or donated to the cause, please, please come forward with you suggestions.
Also we would appreciate any communication with the prison officials acknowledging the fact they they are trying to handle the problem in a humane and legal manner. Also more of the personnel are not afraid to work with us because the fear of retribution by officials risking their jobs doesn't seems to be a top priority.
We even had a CO call a cat out from under a fence last week. the cat had been observed between the fence and the electrical fence, very nervous, and the person in charge, Lt. Campos, refused to turn off the electricity, so the other individual worked and talked with the cat and did convince it to get away through the passage this CO had prepared. A couple of months ago, this CO probably would have been written up on investigation.
So as I said progress is being made. A great deal has changed in the 60 days since this was brought to the attention of the California Feline Foundation. The road ahead is long, some will be able to find homes, some will have to be euthanized. The CFF Spay/Neuter Clinic will spay or neuter all prison cats for .00 each to the individuals that wish to give them a home, with a receipt from the prison.
|
|
|
