Volunteers Quit Charity Over ‘Killing Cats Policy'

Cats Protection accused of wanting sick animals put to sleep

- Penman

In an emotional Facebook post, Natalie Dodds asked: “Does this kitten look like she needs to be euthanised?”

Natalie told how she had resigned as a volunteer at Cats Protection because the charity wanted the kitten, called Penny, put to sleep.

There are other volunteers across the country who say that they too have walked out over what some call its “kill policy”.

Natalie, a former foster carer for the charity in Telford, Shropshire, says that she took in little Penny after officials wanted her put down rather than have an operation for a chest condition.

“Cats Protection did not wish to treat Penny, not even with flea or worm treatment, as her operation would cost more than the £500 limit per cat, and as such she was destined to die,” she said.

So Penny was adopted by Natalie’s fiancé Ryan, and an operation proved successful.

“Penny is still thriving and loving her life – she is now 10 months old and has already lived seven months longer than Cats Protection would have allowed,” said Natalie.

Ryan added: “Never did I believe that a kitten would need rescuing from the very organisation that was supposed to protect her.”

Natalie states that the charity is particularly inclined to euthanise cats with two viruses known by the initials FIV and FeLV, especially if they are wild.