Spent a week filming in L.A., which I’d consider “Ground Zero” in the cat-bird wars. Many memorable images spring to mind but can’t get Fix Nation out of my head. Fix Nation is L.A.’s only free spay and neuter clinic for stray, homeless and feral cats. The sun was barely up when we arrived – and already there was a line up of bleary-eyed women waiting for the doors to open. They’d been up all night trapping feral cats. And when the doors opened, what a sight it was to behold! Fix Nation operates as a veritable cat-fixing-factory. The dedicated staff process about 70 cats a day with stunning humanity and efficiency.
Upon first glance this assembly line of anesthetized cats strikes one as oddly humorous. But closer examination tells you there’s nothing funny here. Most of these cats are covered in war wounds. Scars, open sores, weeping eyes, bad cases of mange abound. Life is short and hard for a feral cat. Ask anyone who works in animal welfare in the L.A. area, the very best thing to be done for feral cats is reduce their numbers.
Since inception Fix Nation has spayed and neutered 41,160 cats! Annual budget: $1 million. Cost to the state of California to care for and ultimately euthanize 1 million abandoned animals: $250 million.
Jean Boileau
You are only observing one area in which there are many where feral cats reside. Get a grip. Not all feral cats are made to suffer the harshness of the land which is why there are so many organizations and caregivers that help these cats. Before you pass judgement to trap and euthanize although you seem to not stake that remark yet it is quite obvious in your comment “Ask anyone who works in animal welfare in the L.A. area, the very best thing to be done for feral cats is reduce their numbers”.
Not all feral cats end up sick or have a harsh life. I have cared for over 50 ferals for nearly two decades now and have written books on them as well as spent more time then a quick visit to L.A. to film with these cats as well as have observed them in their natural habitat without a caregiver.
Sped more time then a simple visit with these cats. Live the life of caring for them and spend as much time not only basing your judgement on one area alone, perhaps you’ll learn something other then saying let’s reduce their numbers by what? killing them?
Bountiful Films
Jean, we hope you’ll take the time to comment after you’ve seen the film, too.