Latest news with #straycat
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Stray cat in Coventry bit and scratched two people. Then it tested positive for rabies.
COVENTRY – A stray cat has tested positive for rabies, and the town's police chief is warning residents to check the vaccination status of their pets. "If you have had contact with an animal and you are not sure of its vaccination status, please contact us," Coventry Police Chief Benjamin Witt said in a news release. "Please take a minute to check your animal's rabies status. If you are unable to locate a rabies certificate for your animal, we advise you to contact your veterinarian to make arrangements to booster the rabies vaccination." Witt sent out the advisory after a resident trapped a stray cat "that was acting abnormally" on July 8. The cat was trapped at a home on Newell Court, off Main Street. The resident was bitten and scratched, and an animal control officer, who'd responded to a call from the resident, was also bitten and scratched, Witt said in the release. Because of the circumstances, the Rhode Island Department of Health tested the cat for rabies, and the results came back positive. "Both the resident and our Animal Control Officer were medically treated following the test results. We are working with the resident to locate any additional stray cats in that area," Witt said. What you should know about rabies? Rabies is a fatal disease if it is not treated before the onset of symptoms, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health. Anyone who may have had direct contact with the cat should immediately call the health department's Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology at (401) 222-2577 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or (401) 276-8046 after hours so a nurse can assess your exposure and determine if you should receive treatment, the health department said. Rabies treatment must be started as soon as possible after exposure and before symptoms appear, the department said. Anyone who thinks their pet may have come into contact with the cat should call the health department, the local animal control officer and the pet's veterinarian, the health department said. All dogs, cats and ferrets are required by state law to have current vaccination against rabies. Vaccinating pets prevents them from getting rabies and prevents people from becoming exposed to rabies through their pets, according to the health department. When was the last case of rabies in Rhode Island? The last case of rabies in Rhode Island for a domesticated animal was in 2018, when a cat tested positive, according to the health department. The last case of rabies in a human in Rhode Island was in 1940, the health department said. The health department makes the following recommendations to prevent rabies: Make sure all dogs, cats and ferrets are up to date on rabies vaccination. Securely cover all garbage cans so wild animals cannot scavenge for food. Avoid all contact with and do not feed stray or free-roaming domestic animals. Do not feed your animals outdoors, as this will attract other animals. This is especially dangerous when feeding large numbers of free-roaming cats. Protect your pets by always maintaining control; walk dogs on a leash or let them play in a fenced yard, and do not let pets wander unsupervised. Report all animal bites to your city or town's animal control officer. "As a reminder, please do not leave food outside for pets. Food will encourage stray or wild animals to come close to your home. If you feed a cat outside you are legally responsible for its care," Witt said. Anyone who needs help with vaccinating their animal or further information can call Coventry AnimalControl at (401) 822-9106. This story has been updated with new information. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Stray cat tests positive for rabies in Coventry, RI. What to know. Solve the daily Crossword
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah: Video of man torturing cat goes viral; rescuers call for action, stricter laws
A chilling video has been making the rounds across various local animal rescue groups and social media accounts, showing a man burning the genitals of a stray cat in Sharjah. The video has sent shock waves across the rescue community, who were quick to identify the location of the incident through the video, pinning it down to Noor Mosque near Buhairah Corniche. The clip, seen by Khaleej Times, shows the man laughing while engaging in the act with a lighter, as a friend films him, during the evening hours. Khaleej Times has been unable to verify the origins of the video, but understands it was first posted on social media about three weeks ago. Enraged rescuers have been sharing the video across social media, while also reaching out to Sharjah Police for help. The authority has since responded and is said to be investigating the matter, according to a Dubai-based cat rescuer Tasmiyah A, who told Khaleej Times that an officer contacted her about the video she posted on July 9. "They contacted me through my social media account to ask for details," she said. "They asked me where the incident took place, when it happened and who the man in the video was. They said it was a serious matter that required further investigation and thanked me for my cooperation." Khaleej Times has reached out to Sharjah Police for a comment. A comment was awaited at the time of publishing. Community outrage "Watching someone burn a cat's genitals with a lighter and laugh was horrifying, but what struck me even more was that he felt confident enough to record it and post it online," said Tasmiyah. "It's not that we don't have laws to protect animals — we do. But without consistent enforcement and public awareness, some people still think they can get away with cruelty. No one should feel they can commit such cruelty without consequences." She urged her followers to report the incident on the Biosecurity Early Notification System, a platform created by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) to report food safety threats, animal diseases and agricultural pests. Rescuers and residents have also been using the link to report animal abuse and dumping incidents. She also reached out to Sharjah Police in the comments along with other users to avail help. "I truly hope something comes from this," said the rescuer. "This man needs to be found, and the law needs to be applied clearly and publicly, not just for justice, but to show that animal cruelty is taken seriously. Because until people see real consequences, animals will continue to be abused, mistreated, and treated as if they aren't living beings too. "And for every case like this that's caught on camera, there are countless more that never are: cases we see and hear of that never reach the point of investigation. These stories come to us all the time. It's heartbreaking to think how many animals suffer in silence, simply because no one was watching with a phone. We have to do better for them," she said. Possible identity Many rescuers have a hunch of who the man might be after tracing a suspected account on social media. Although unable to completely confirm his identity, they have passed on the tip to the authority. The man's account, which used to be public on Instagram, has now been changed to private mode. "Whilst we understand that not everyone shares the same compassion for animals, it is beyond comprehension and a real shame how anyone can go out of their way to harm them," said rescuer Melissa M Stanton. "If people are unwilling to help them, at least don't hurt them." Another rescuer Z.Q, who asked to go by their initials, hopes the cat-abuse video results in a police complaint, transparent prosecution, and visible sentencing. She also emphasised how important it is to spread awareness among the public. "Educational campaigns in schools, mosques, and community centres can build empathy and awareness. Animal welfare hotlines, volunteer training, and coordinated response teams between police and municipal authorities would significantly reduce cruelty and neglect." "Sell-side practices — such as selling untagged or unmicrochipped animals — facilitate abandonment and abuse. Mandatory microchipping or tagging of animals sold in pet shops and breeders, coupled with strict licensing and fines for non-compliance, would ensure traceability. Those who abandon animals, regardless of their health status, must be held legally accountable," she added. Another rescuer who wished not to be named, said she is hoping for the best and urging authorities to "take appropriate measures for future". What UAE law says about animal abuse Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 Promulgating the Crimes and Penalties Law prohibits crimes against animals. Article 466: A penalty of incarceration and/or fine shall be imposed on anyone who deliberately and without justification kills or seriously injures [certain animals]... as well as anyone who leaves a stray animal in conditions that poses a danger to people. Article 471: A penalty of incarceration for a period not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding Dh10,000) shall be imposed on anyone who, deliberately and without justification, kills or poisons any domesticated or tamed animal other than those stated in Article 466. Article 472: A fine not exceeding Dh5,000 shall be imposed on anyone who harasses, tortures or maltreats a domesticated or tamed animal, as well as anyone who abstains from caring for such animal when he is entrusted therewith or is duly bound to take care of it. Article 473: A fine not exceeding Dh3,000 shall be imposed on anyone who, by his fault, causes wounds or injuries to any animal or cattle belonging to another person, and if such fault causes the death of such animal, the penalty shall be a fine not exceeding Dh10,000. Furthermore, a separate and older law — Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 concerning the Protection of Animals from Abuse and Neglect — prohibits the use of animals for scientific experiments. Anyone using animals in this manner "without authorisation from the competent department or the competent authority" will face hefty penalties starting from not less than Dh50,000 and going up to Dh200,000, along/or with imprisonment of not more than a year. In 2020, the Federal Public Prosecution had also warned that people selling ill or injured animals will face a fine of Dh200,000. In case of finding a stray animal, the law advises residents to do the following: 1. Seize the animal if it constitutes danger or is suffering from pain or disturbance. 2. If the owner cannot be identified or contacted, consult a veterinarian immediately upon the animal's suffering from pain or disturbance and take action according to the veterinarian's opinion. 3. If the owner is identified, oblige him/her to pay for all expenses incurred. This law concerning animal protection, which was enacted in September 2007, states that animals should not be left alone or abandoned; that they should be taken care of or supervised by people with knowledge, skills and qualifications, and that both the animal and its living conditions must be checked at least once a day. Under the law, animals are entitled to rights, including the right to have enough space enabling them to move freely, according to their needs, to be fed and watered adequately according to their age and species, and to be transported and housed safely. Recent regulations Abu Dhabi has been making strides in animal welfare, with recent laws making it mandatory for pet owners to register their microchipped cats and dogs under a new animal ownership service, which was launched on February 3. Under new regulations introduced by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), pet owners must register their animals on the TAMM platform, and failure to comply will result in fines starting next year. The new system aims to reduce stray animal population, track pet records, enable proper identification and improve animal welfare, while creating a centralised database for owners and their microchipped pets. In 2023, authorities in Abu Dhabi had also launched an investigation into reports about cats being abandoned in the desert. Videos showing several cats abandoned in a desert went viral on social media, with many rescue groups expressing shock over the incident.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Friendly Stray Cat Plays Hard to Get Until She Hears the Word 'Hungry'
Friendly Stray Cat Plays Hard to Get Until She Hears the Word 'Hungry' originally appeared on PetHelpful. Earning the trust of a rescue pet is difficult enough, but enticing a stray animal to come close enough to capture is its own adventure. Even though not everyone will successfully track down and capture a stray cat, anyone could find the right strategy, accessories, and time to catch a sneaky cat. Just ask musician @cloudfactoryofficial! He was helping Convoy of Hope build houses in Moatsville, West Virginia, on June 9 when the sweetest stray cat joined the party. The young humanitarian tried his hardest to win over the fickle feline friend, but the cat was a pro at playing hard to get. However, the musician said a single word that triggered a big reaction in the stray cat. When he asked if she was hungry, she couldn't have been more excited to say yes! Imagine the Cat Distribution System choosing you this way! It can be hard to know whether stray cats like this black and white feline are in need of food, water, or just somewhere to sleep, but helping them meet their needs always feels good. The kind volunteer offered the feral cat a bite of a cat-friendly snack before asking around if anyone knew her. Although she didn't belong to any of the neighbors next door, it did seem likely that she was a local stray cat that others also fed and cared for. Cloud Factory wanted to bring this kitten home in the worst way, but she disappeared again before anyone could find out where she lived. Nevertheless, the home-building volunteers never gave up hope, which uncovered a second miracle only a few days later. OMG, there's a second cat! It seems like this sweetheart may be a mama cat who only recently had her kittens, but she didn't lead her rescuers toward any kittens or nest. She was given a tub of cat food and lots of love when she finally revealed herself, but she didn't seem eager to lead rescuers toward a litter hiding anywhere in the house. Animal rescue stories can be bittersweet, but they're essential for the safety and well-being of millions of stray and rescue pets like these kitties. Thank goodness for kind-hearted souls like this musician who are looking out for them! Friendly Stray Cat Plays Hard to Get Until She Hears the Word 'Hungry' first appeared on PetHelpful on Jun 17, 2025 This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
South China Morning Post
30-06-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Stray cat travels from China to the US in shipping container
A rare first occurred at an animal rescue in the US state of Minnesota when a stray cat managed to find herself thousands of miles from home – on a completely different continent. Companion Animal Care & Control said in a June 5 Facebook post that the tiny survivor was found inside a shipping container that travelled from China to Minnesota. She spent about three weeks in the container and was 'severely dehydrated and dangerously thin' when she was discovered. The adventurer was named Stowaway. She is now being cared for in a shelter before being placed for adoption. 'Thankfully, our team was called, and with a little patience [and a humane trap], we were able to safely catch her,' the animal rescue service said. 'This cat is nothing short of a miracle.'
The Independent
13-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
Long-distance stray: Cat stows away in shipping container from China to Minnesota for three-week journey
Animal control officers in the Midwest were stunned after responding to a call unlike any they've seen in nearly 15 years on the job: a stray cat China. The Companion Animal Control, which services counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin, revealed last week that the feline survivor was discovered hidden inside a shipping container that had traveled thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean before arriving at a local business in Oakdale. Workers unloading the container were shocked to find the emaciated cat tucked beneath a pallet. The shipping container had been sealed for approximately three weeks. Officials believe the cat survived the harrowing journey by drinking condensation and potentially feeding on rodents inside the container. By the time she was found, she was severely dehydrated and dangerously underweight. 'We've seen a lot over the years, but this was truly a first,' the animal control team said in a Facebook post. 'This cat is nothing short of a miracle.' Using a humane trap and a dose of patience, animal control successfully rescued the frightened animal. She is now in the care of the Northwoods Humane Society, where she is receiving medical attention and being nursed back to health. The staff there named her Stowaway, WCCO reports. Once Stowaway recovers, the globe-trotting feline will be ready for adoption. The animal control office asked its followers for name suggestions in a June 5 Facebook post. '(Plum) Blossom or Mei, it's a flower that symbolizes perseverance in the Chinese culture,' one contributor commented. 'Carmen! short for Carmen SanDiego, because where in the world will this lil lady be next?' another suggested. A third person recommended, 'Mira, short for miracle.'
