The comments made by mayor, Gale Katchur of Fort Saskatchewan, are both malevolent and disturbing. Shockingly, she suggested actions like drowning feral cats or binding them to exhaust pipes. The gravity of an authoritative figure making such comments is immeasurable and impossible to overlook. Such an attitude is not only cruel and inhumane, but it also models unacceptable behaviors to citizens, most of whom consider pets as valued family members.

In Canada, we pride ourselves on compassion and respect for all life forms. It is estimated that there are approximately 1.4 million feral cats in our country (Canadian Federation of Humane Societies). They deserve to be treated with care and respect just as any other living creature.

Mayor Katchur's comments promote animal cruelty and go against the 'Criminal Code of Canada' and Alberta's 'Animal Protection Act,' which aim to 'protect animals from acts of cruelty.' By maintaining her current position, she undermines these very structures instituted for animal protection.

We urge the council to reconsider Gale Katchur's suitability to effectively lead Fort Saskatchewan without encouraging any form of animal cruelty. For a community to thrive, its leaders should propagate respect for every life, including those of animals. Please sign this petition to ask for Mayor Gale Katchur's resignation. Together, we can protect numerous feral cats and prevent such dangerous, unsettling comments from reoccurring in the future.