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Speak Out
Animal and human aggression not related
Being a Campbell resident, I read The Campbell Reporter March 20 article regarding the huskies that killed a cat. I am a little upset that the incident occurred, but I am a little more upset with the lack of information in the article. The cat owner mentioned her fears of children getting hurt, but there was no mention in the article that there is no connection between predatory aggression toward small animals, such as cats, birds, etc., and aggression toward humans, including children.
There was also no information on ways to protect a cat from harm (including not letting the cat roam loose!) or where to find additional information. As a husky owner, it worries me that people would have a negative opinion about huskies after the article. As a cat owner, it worries me that people still allow their cats to roam free in an area in which I saw a coyote run down the street just a week ago. Living outdoors decreases a cat's life span 11-14 years. As a professional behavioral consultant for animals, it worries me that the public might be a little misinformed by your article, which could create more senseless animal deaths or homeless animals.
Our two young cats, through very careful training on my part, have gotten along wonderfully with my husky for more than a year now. He would never hurt them, although drop some other kind of furry thing in front of him like a squirrel or a gopher, and it's a goner. My cats are indoor cats for their safety and my sanity. With speeding cars, raccoons, opossums, coyotes, mean people and dogs, it's a terribly rough world for a free-roaming cat!
Nikole Sledd
Owner, behavioral trainer, consultant
Creature Teachers
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Campbell, California
