Dee Jay
Actually, Frank, this is a great story from a human behavior aspect - how an innocent comment made in a public forum can start off a war of words between people who don't even know each other. Also it's interesting to see the name calling and abusiveness by people who would never say those things to someone in person.
Most of us can disagree peaceably - Tony and I have gone round and round about a topic in these forums and via personal email, yet we've never called each other names or been mean to each other. We talk to each other electronically like we would in person. Same goes for most of the people who post in these forums. But occasionally we'll get someone in here who expresses their opinion with name-calling and disrespect. Typically those people are dealt with swiftly and surely by the regulars - the Boss and I only step in when it gets too bad or there is objectionable language flying about.
(I still find the human behavior of the forums fascinating) Ken King
Well said, Dee Jay.
Your right, most of us have never met. In fact, I have never made actual contact with anyone from the company. I have met Tony, Frank, Major, Christy and Steve. Tony more than once the others only once, BTW Tony, we are planning the 3rd Annual Bucksnort Preservation Society Moonlight Charity Ball. Others I might have met, but don't know it.
So in keeping with the spirit of open and honest debate on the topics that appear on these fine pages I humbly and respectfully apologize if I have offended anyone with my regard to the use of antifreeze as a poison for an unwanted feline. I also will apologize for the inference that I would blow the animal away. I wouldn't do it because I live in a community and would never discharge a firearm in such close proximity to the public, unless of course in the defense of life. I will go on and apologize for the name calling that I have participated in.
Rich, Buy a damn trap, catch the cat, and let the Humane Society kill it.
(Making nice to try and tone down the thread) Dee Jay
The most amusing part of this "story" is that Ken started off saying that the original poster should call Animal Control and get a live trap. Upon the reply that the OP really wanted a poison, Ken made a suggestion as to what to use. Big deal. Now he's being publicly attacked, along with everyone else who made rather benign or facetious comments about the situation.
We've also had a visitor send us email about the thread, asking us to delete the whole thing (which we're not going to do). This person is concerned that use of the word "poison" will cause a national security issue! He is also concerned that my input as a "manager" of this site, is inappropriate. Whatever happened to freedom of speech and civil discourse?
You should read the Cousin Couples thread if you want to see some action.! The cat discussion is fairly tame in comparison.
(Oh yeah! I forgot about the Cousin Couples!) Shelley
I have read enough.....the vet is correct....you all are crazy and have no idea how to handle this matter with any since. Or understand animal behavior. There is a right way to do things and a wrong way. Also the way you attacked Rene earlier is uncalled for. It seems when a decent kind approach is offered you all go off and say they are crazy. Grow up and do things the right way.
Jenny Lowe
Having read through very carefully, I wish to make an observation or two:
1. Yes, trapping the animal would be the best way to deal with the situation, and calling Animal Control would be the best course of action.
2. When suggestion the use of Radiator Fluid, although Ken King was not directly involved in the actual conduct, he did offer information which could be used for an unethical purpose, namely a cruel act against an animal. However, I think he was trying to answer the request of the post, and in doing so set off a flame war with all around him.
3. As people posting to a public board, we need to remember that we are all responsible for our actions, and that this might be a good time for all involved to step back, take a breath, and rethink how far this has gone.
4. There was no need for Ken to throw down the gauntlet, as he did in publically challenging someone, and the operators of the board can and do express their opinions as accored them by the 1st Amendment. It is interesting that a more balanced response might quell the flames; but this has not been done.
In short, I am merely asking all who posted to this site, on all sides of the argument, to remember that we are here to express opinions, and seek each other's insights into the issues of the day...not become embattled over what is clearly a job to be handled by the Animal Control people!
There, I've said my peace, and without bad language, legal threats, and heated words meant only to enrage everyone else who reads.
It does make me wonder what kind of example we are setting to the casual observer who finds this site from elsewhere in the world. This is not the impression I would want the world to see of Southern Maryland culture...
Let's just agree that the cat should be trapped, and that is the first option to be followed through on. Anything which might harm this cat should only be considered as a last resort should the cat prove to be rabid. This choice however, rests upon the responsibility of Animal Control, not the homeowner wishing to take the matter into his own hands.
(The peacemaker - doesn't want much, does she? *lol*) Ken King
Jenny,
Well said and well received by me, I accept your admonishment to my throwing of the gauntlet, and I will accordingly rescind that request in as equal a public forum as the challenge was made. I apologize again here and now. If you notice the time of our messages you will see that I was probably posting my previous apology further up the page as you posted your comments. Let this serve as another bucket of water to douse the flames that I helped ignite.
Your post did stir questions that are on a somewhat connected subject. That being with your final statement concerning homeowners taking matters into their own hands. Rich, as a homeowner, should be entitled to the respect and absolute control with regard to his personal property and incursions by unwelcome critters. The fact that someone else lost control of this animal indicates a blatant disregard for their duty as a pet owner. Had this unknown person properly provided for and accepted responsibility for their animal none of this would be taking place. Where is the indignation towards this person? Why should Rich suffer for the acts of others? Why does the cat receive more concern then the one being burdened by the animal? What are our priorities? Do we further abdicate our diminishing rights and subject ourselves to the acts of others without any recourse? What is the solution? I wish I knew.
Additionally, I doubt if anyone should seriously judge Southern Maryland by these few comments on this forum. Our representation here is only a fraction of those that live here. I will agree that at times we might not be putting our best foot forward, but such is life. We have had other heated discussions, some almost to the verge of fisticuffs. However, that is not the norm.
I have become attached to the area after coming here initially in the 1950s when my Dad first was stationed here. I myself left the area in the early 1970s as a young adult for a twelve year period when I joined the military and I got to see the world. I have visited all 50 States, some briefly, some for longer. I’ve been to Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. I have found numerous places as good, none better, and the majority of the rest are what I would consider to be undesirable. Though to many of the locals, in all of these areas I have been to, they were of the mindset that their home was the best. We share those feelings here in Southern Maryland, for a lot of us nothing could be better then what we have here. Naturally, we have probably an equal amount of people here that can’t stand this place either. What I have found throughout my fairly short life is that the place you are at is only as good as you care to make it. If you approach it negatively you usually get negative results. In the spirit and non-inflammatory manner of your post, responses are welcome to the thoughts I have raised.
(There, see? Behaving like a gentleman again) Feral Cat
If I die, cool! Remember that for every one of me, there are thousands of other cats who will tap your cat's ###...
You dare to throw down the glove?
(Here he made a really crude personal attack on Ken, which I won't repeat) Ken King
You Sir or Madame have stepped across the line. Attack me as you will, attack my wife or family and you assuredly will be subjected to my wrath. Email with a time and place.
(Now Ken's pissed, as he should be. I was pissed and it wasn't even my wife they were talking about)) Feral Cat
You aren't going to do ####!
http://www.bragg.army.mil/16MP/LTC%20Bradley.htm (more obscenities about Ken and his family) (Lots of posts got deleted here because of profanity and just some really crude things on the part of the Feral Cat brigade.)