(Snow Hill, MD) - Susan Coleman, of Worcester County fought for her feral cat "Oliver" at a Worcester County Commission meeting. Oliver was put down by Animal County almost two weeks after being trapped for potentially having rabies.
Coleman claims "I have been fighting for the pass two and half weeks to have Oliver released to me to no avail. Animal Control has put up every road block, every obstacle in my way in order to not release Oliver and subsequently killed him."
At the meeting on Tuesday, Coleman tried to speak but was denied the opportunity on this day. Animal Control purpose to the commissioners that cat communities should be illegal.
Coleman proclaims, "I thought we were going to be allowed to speak in front of the commissioners. We had to wait for the press open session and we were just told that the part of the meeting were animal control and the health department came before the commissioner was not and open session."
Debbie Goeller, Health Officer of Worcester County Health Department says she was just following the rules. "Code of Maryland regulations. The remaining cats should be removed and humanely euthanized." And also says that " Coleman paperwork for this cat was not up to date and her vaccination was 4 months past due."
The cat "Oliver" and the cat colony had been in contact with a cat that has the disease. Worcester health department shows us how there is no real way to know when an animal has rabies, as the disease can hide up to 6 months and the only way to test is by killing the animal after human exposure.
Susan Coleman now is pushing for change in Maryland Law. She would like to see a Trap, Neuter/ Vaccination and Return policy. "These cats aren't going anywhere, 39 other states have adopted this law and it has shown a decrease in cats calls." Cats are the 3rd highest animal to test positive for rabies and Coleman would like to see that stat go down.