L’Observateur / June 10, 2000

DEAR EDITOR: Our pets are precious for us. They are one of God’s many creatures thatsometimes require a humane voice to speak out for them. I find itnecessary for me to do that now. Here is my story about a cat requiringthis small task from me.

This past Memorial Day weekend, I returned home on Sunday evening from out of town. I discovered that our houseguest had found a kitten earlier inthe day and was caring for it in our home. Normally, this would beacceptable, but I saw that this kitten was very sick and suffering. I knewfrom experience as an animal shelter volunteer that the kitten’s symptoms resembled a contagious upper respiratory infection.

I first called St. John Animal Shelter, where a recording directed me to 9-1-1. 9-1-1 informed me that Animal Control does not pick up cats underany circumstances, including cats that are seriously ill or a danger to humans.

I attempted to reach my district councilman, Jobe Boucvalt, who was out of town. I then contacted Animal Control Board member Kay Durr, whoinformed me that she did not have the beeper number for the kennel master Melissa Vial. I called 9-1-1 back and the supervisor, Sgt. Duhe,reinterated that the Parish does not pick up any cats, but that he would try to have Melissa Vial call me at home.

She did call, and refused to retrieve this very sick kitten from my home. Ithen attempted to contact our parish president, Nickie Monica, receiving no answer from his home. I then contacted Duaine Duffy, councilman-at-large of Division A, and explained to him my situation and frustration that no one was able to assist me in helping this suffering animal.

Finally, Councilman Duffy was able to arrange for Melissa Vial to retrieve the kitten from my home. It is comforting to know that even on a holidayweekend, we have an attentive, caring and dedicated community leader such as Councilman Duffy.

Grace, the homeless kitten, would also appreciate his efforts to alleviate her suffering. I want to personally and publicly thank Councilman Duffy forresponding to our urgent situation that Sunday evening.

Lynette Bush LaPlace

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