Cattorneys At Paw, Inc. is a non-profit, formed by three attorneys, dedicated to saving community cats from hunger, disease, and homelessness. From promoting awareness to channeling desperately needed financial support to local animal welfare groups to working with local governments to improve laws that facilitate helping community cats, we\u2019re dedicating to doing whatever it takes to make life better for our feline friends. That includes reaching out to professionals and entrepreneurs in the legal field, and beyond, to give back to the world.<\/p>\n
By combining business experience with a lifelong love of cats, we provide a compassionate yet results-driven approach towards our mission. We make every dollar go far, and carefully analyze every recipient organization to ensure that only the most effective and trustworthy welfare groups get the funds they need.<\/p>\n
Instead of spending well needed funds on fundraising and advertising, Cattorneys At Paw relies on the tried and but true method of tapping into our extensive professional network to garner support and word of mouth. Combined with the low-cost but high-reach means of social media, we get the word out, and the money in, to help as many cats as possible get the love and well being they deserve. Join us in supporting the millions of cats out there get veterinary care, food, and homes. Donate now, spread the word, or contact us to learn how you can help.<\/p>\n
There are an estimated more than 300,000 free roaming cats, also called community cats, in the Miami-Dade County area. These cats face hunger, disease, and homelessness. Worse yet, there are people who regard them as pests and seek to harm and even kill them.<\/p>\n
Know the law.<\/strong> Poisoning an animal is a crime punishable by fine and imprisonment. Section 828.08 of the Florida Statutes. Acts of intentional animal cruelty (including the act of killing a community cat) are characterized as felonies and may carry fines of $10,000.00 or imprisonment of up to 5 years. Section 828.12 of the Florida Statutes. Many municipalities may have local codes or ordinances relating to domestic animals. Check your city\u2019s website.<\/p>\n Join your condo board.<\/strong> Many condo boards in the Miami Dade County area implement poisoning programs or hire professional trappers to capture and kill community cats living around their property. Many of these companies utilize illegal methods to kill the cats. If you are an owner, join the board so that you can advocate for community cats.<\/p>\n Trap, neuter, and release.<\/strong> Trap, neuter, and release, or TNR, is a humane and effective way to help reduce the community cat population. Members of the community can use their own traps or borrow them from Miami-Dade Animal Services (http:\/\/miamidade.gov\/animals\/<\/a>), the Humane Society (http:\/\/www.humanesocietymiami.org\/<\/a>), or the Cat Network (http:\/\/thecatnetwork.org\/<\/a>). Once trapped cats can be taken to a participating facility for free or low cost sterilization and vaccination. The tip of the cat\u2019s left ear will be cut to for future identification purposes. The Miami-Dade County Community Spay Neuter clinic holds a Community Cats Trapping Orientation the second Saturday of every month at 10:00 am. 10700 SW 211th Street, Miami, Florida. (305) 255-4032.<\/p>\n Make provisions for your own animals before you die.<\/strong> Set up a pet trust (http:\/\/cattorneysatpaw.org\/guide-florida-pet-trusts\/<\/a>) to ensure that your own animals will be provided for after you are gone.<\/p>\n Foster or adopt.<\/strong> There are thousands of cats and kittens in dire need of loving people to foster and adopt them. If you are interested in fostering or adopting, visit one of these websites: Catopia Cat Rescue (http:\/\/www.catopiacatrescue.org\/<\/a>); Miami Dade Animal Services (http:\/\/miamidade.gov\/animals\/<\/a>); or the Humane Society (http:\/\/www.humanesocietymiami.org\/<\/a>).<\/p>\n Volunteer.<\/strong> There are many local organizations with countless volunteer opportunities. Check with the above mentioned organizations for options or contact us.<\/p>\n