Letter to the editor: Appropriate steps were taken to locate kittens

In response to the article “Man Sues Humane Society: Williams seeks $10,000 from JRHS over two kittens” that The Jamestown Sun published on Nov. 28:

During the time my cats went missing, calls to the James River Humane Society and Jamestown Police Department were made. We were told by the JRHS twice that the cats weren’t brought in and they weren’t accepting cats. Every time, descriptions and my information was given. I received no calls. Afterward, I found out that my cats were there the entire time. After being denied their return, I called the sheriff’s department and was told court is the only way to retrieve my animals. No amount can be determined when it comes to pets; any pet owner should understand that. The judge makes the final decision on the animals. I was informed in court that the judge can’t award my cats back, only monetary value.

Am I expected to just let my pets go because it’s a non-profit organization? Imagine if it was your pet. This could’ve been handled differently and the JRHS has had all of this time to make it right. I support the efforts of the JRHS but will not support mistakes like this being made and their unwillingness to help get the animals back home. They receive some taxpayer funds so they should help us, not prevent us from being reunited with our pets. Their own mission statement states they “seek to return lost animals to their owners.” In no way did they try to assist me after learning they had my animals the entire time. I was told I would never again see the one that was adopted out and that I could apply for the other cat still there. I was also told several times I could be denied. I understand everyone is told that when he or she applies, but not several times over and over.

It wasn’t a case about money, I specifically wanted the animals back for my niece who like any 7-year-old had become attached to these animals. Getting new cats doesn’t solve the problem.

People ask why I didn’t visit the shelter. You would think calling was sufficient. Yes, my kittens went missing. It’s not uncommon that cats wander. Unfortunately, their tags weren’t on.

In all, I followed the appropriate steps I needed to locate these cats. Now I’m following the appropriate steps to try and get my cats back. Unfortunately this was the only option I was presented to proceed. I would hope other families don’t have to experience what I have had to in trying to get my cats back.

Tags: opinion, letters, pets