As caregivers to several colonies of community cats in our area, we have experienced firsthand the cruelty these innocent creatures face. We've been verbally abused, had dishes stolen, mop water from restaurants thrown on feeding stations, witnessed men and women urinating on the feeding stations, tomatoes thrown at the cats. The police have been called to harass us even though we had permission to be on the property. Heartbreakingly, someone even started stealing the food dish of a mommy cat we were trying to trap because we wouldn't give him money.

Community cats or feral cats are often subjected to abuse, forced starvation and various acts of cruelty. It is time for this hate towards them and their caregivers to stop! We demand that it be made illegal for anyone to tamper with or vandalize feeding stations, water sources, traps and shelters left for these cats.

In order for us as caregivers to effectively trap these animals in order to spay or neuter them - an essential step in controlling their population - it must be legal for us feed them without fear of repercussion.

Furthermore, those who care for community cats should also be protected by law against harassment whether physical or verbal. According to a study by Alley Cat Allies (2017), over 85% of caretakers reported experiencing some form of harassment while caring for outdoor cat colonies.

We call upon lawmakers everywhere: Make it illegal not only abuse community cats but also those who care enough about them not just look away but actively work towards improving their lives. Please sign this petition if you believe that all creatures deserve kindness rather than cruelty.