Beatrice Cat Trapping Has Some Fearing It Could Happen Again

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Posted: 4:47 PM Feb 28, 2010 Beatrice Cat Trapping Has Some Fearing It Could Happen Again Beatrice The death of a wild cat has some people in Beatrice looking for answers. They fear that the cat, which was found in a trapping device wasn't a one time accident and could happen again. Reporter: Erika Tallan

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Beatrice police and animal control officers are investigating whether someone is trapping the animals.

That's what Rita Hydo dreads. Hydo feeds stray cats in downtown Beatrice and has been for the past 33 years.
She says she's noticed the cat population steadily diminishing since last summer. While Hydo realizes there could be a number of factors for the disappearance, she says the trap confirms any suspicions she once had.

Hydo was told of a cat struggling in a trap last Thursday.

She found it and spent 20 minutes trying to rescue it. The cat had to be euthanized.

Gina Grone with the Beatrice animal shelter says it is a cruel act.

"The trap itself is designed to kill instantly whatever wanders into it. That didn't happen to this animal. It was big enough cat and had a thick enough coat that it did not break his neck. He suffered quite a while before he died," Grone said.

It is illegal to set animal traps, except for mouse traps within Beatrice city limits. Violating the ordinance can result in a fine of up to $500.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Michael Location: Nebraska on Mar 19, 2010 at 02:56 PM

Wow this seems to have gotten out of control. When it comes down to it, no one likes stray cats. I, for one, hate them. I wish I could be as creative as the person that started this debate. Ever heard of a carbon footprint? A cat has one of the largest. Not to mention they are a menace. I don't know how many times I've had to chase my dog down because of some stray cat. It looks to me as if the city isnt doing anything about it, so a citizen has chosen to handle the problem theirself.

Posted by: John Location: Beatrice on Mar 19, 2010 at 01:55 PM

1. Feral or wild cats are neither cute or cuddly. 2. They will run rampant over the area they have food and shelter. 3. I had this problem in Australia where the RSPCA had a humane trap to catch then ethunize them. 4. It is amazing to me that the people that are for cleaning up the problem live in Beatrice while the people that don't have to deal with live in other communities. 5. LET US CLEAN UP THE PROBLEM!

Posted by: bk Location: Elgin on Mar 10, 2010 at 02:33 PM

This is ridiculous. I can understand the problems people may have with cats or any sort of animal that roams around and destroys your gardens and such things but last I checked, theres other animals that are out there doing the same thing, including other household pets. I dont see dog traps in my town nor do i see cat traps. Honestly, I'm pretty sure nobody wakes up and says "oh goodness! theres a cat in my lawn! my day is ruined!" seriously if you believe by setting a trap to catch cats is going to make a difference anyway...good luck..that one cat isn't going to keep the crap out of your garden..hope you find some satisfaction in that.

Posted by: Beatrice on Mar 2, 2010 at 05:31 PM

YOU CRAZY animal rights wackos keep your damn cats in the house!If I cant shoot them I will just sick my dog after them he hates cats and kills them every chance he gets!and that is the natural order of things. Do you eat hamburgers?? that is an animal whats wrong with you? How many feral dogs do you see? why dont you call the humane society and ask them how many cats they kill in a year? 1000s because of irresponsible cat owners!

Posted by: Emily Location: Nebraska on Mar 1, 2010 at 04:59 PM

Animals are capable of feeling pain just as we are. Trapping should be outlawed for any animal whether they are wild or not. As a homeowner, I have problems with neighborhood cats wandering into our backyard where we have many bird and squirrel feeders...but NEVER have I felt the need to kill them. For the bird hunters who feel cats kill too many of the game birds...are you serious? Many of these cats are forced to remain outside due to owners neglect to have them fixed. How do you expect them to eat?...Knock on your door and ask for a meal? Of course they are going to kill for food...but unlike people, cats don't do it for sport or because the birds are simply "bothersome". Whoever does this to a helpless animal and has no remorse has a psychological problem that needs to be addressed before the fixation of killing things turns to people.

Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 1, 2010 at 11:54 AM

I think its wrong for anyone to hurt any animal. And for those who agree with this or think its okay you need help!! To some people cats are like there cildren, so think of that. What if your kid got outside and something like this happend to them would you be okay with that. I really hope not!!! So if you think this is an okay thing for people to do just remember that animal could be just like a child to someone just as your kids are to you. I love cats and an type of animal and hate that fact that people do these things. I don't care what the people who are okay with this think, they are animals and they have the right to live on this world just as much you any human does. And keep in mind if you do trap them don't do it to kill them to it to help them catch them and take them to a place were someone else can find them and take them to a good home!!!!!!!1

Posted by: Fred Location: Beatrice on Feb 28, 2010 at 06:08 PM

What Hydo is doing is as bad or worse than the traping! Just because you have done something along time does not make it right. Quit feeding the stray cats and contributing to the problem.

Posted by: Beatrice on Feb 28, 2010 at 12:25 PM

Why dont these cat lovers keep them in the house then. I dont think you should trap them they should shoot them just like a skunk,raccoon,fox,or a coyote. they are wild animals. Cats kill thousands of game birds every year any hunter in the field should be required to shoot them.

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 28, 2010 at 10:21 AM

I'm more of a fan of snakes and birds of prey for rodent control. Cats belong on farms, working in barns and outbuildings for rodent control, not running around town.

Posted by: K Location: Beatrice on Feb 28, 2010 at 10:04 AM

There are those of us that do not appreciate the cats of Beatrice marking our property and using our gardens and lawns as their litter boxes. I have not trapped cats but do think they are closer to vermin than pets. If you like them take care of them and keep them under control.

Posted by: M Location: Red Cloud on Feb 28, 2010 at 09:49 AM

Our society is a mess. This is cruel. People aren't responsible. I have a cat who's 14. I like him and am saddened at the thought that he's old and closer to dying. I have only one, won't get another when he dies. Half a dozen neighborhood cats use my garden and flower beds for their toilet and have taken over my garage via a hole. Things stored there are likely ruined now. I don't feed the cats, assume they catch mice, know they kill the birds I like to watch. Come Spring, I'll fix the hole. They can find a new home. I LOVE babies. Thousands are aborted every day. That is ABOMINABLE. So, m, here's one for you. I'm TIRED of seeing THIS picture. Let's post one of an aborted baby after it's been ripped apart and it's brains sucked out, or of one born and then murdered by running a rod into its brain as Mr. Obama would have it? Animals ARE animals. They can be good companions, but they are animals. Let's put the focus on what should be front page news everyday. GOD help us.

Posted by: JRH Location: Texas on Feb 28, 2010 at 08:34 AM

It was only a stray cat!!!!! Not a person!!!! They carry diseases,damage car paint,damage many things marking their territories. kill wildlife,attack and kill domestic cats, and breed almost as fast as the rats. They need to be controlled just like rats do. Some people have mice and rats for pets , that doesn't make their wild cousins any more liked or wanted. Get Real People!!! Whoever is trapping them could use a better method. But the result is the same at animal control or the humane society. Dead cats , because no one wants these animals. Go after people who dump animals, Not someone probably just trying to solve a problem. As a Nebraska resident I had lots of problems with stray cats. And No one would do anything about it. So you do the best you can.

Posted by: Aaron Location: Beatrice on Feb 28, 2010 at 08:29 AM

If humans weren't on the planet, the animal populations of the world would control themselves as God had designed it to be. All of a sudden when people show up, they apply human emotions to animals. Having a soft spot for animals is a wonderful thing and it shows respect for them and for life, however when you start feeding the animals and encouraging wild populations, you can create a big problem. This doesnt' belong in town - in the country is fine. I believe if you're going feed wild cats, then you need to assume responsibility for their sterilization and vaccinations. According to city law, there are to be NO loose cats running around in city limits...period. Anything that causes increased use of taxpayer funds should be scrutinized and this includes feeding wild populations of cats. If someone were feeding raccoons and opossums, there'd be an uproar. If you want to save those cats, get down there and do it yourself and OBEY THE LAW. Don't rely on taxpayers for cat control

Posted by: Sumi Location: Lincoln on Feb 27, 2010 at 06:15 PM

When this cruel jerk is caught, put his or her foot in the same trap. I guarantee he/she wont't do it again. CRUEL JERK: Have you never heard of humane traps???

Posted by: m Location: beatrice on Feb 27, 2010 at 03:53 PM

1- there are irresponsible pet owners. 2-Cities have the money to catch but not fix the cats so they can be retuned. 3- The city of Beatrice pays an animal control officer $40,000 a year. Where is he at? He is not that busy. 4-Maybe Mrs Hydo should hold a fundraiser and have all the money go to fixing and tagging for release the wild cats. The city PAYS someone to catch them; see #3 above. To BN- kids are not animals-no comparison! I get tired of hearing this.

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