Not to mention a potentially fatal asthma attack if cat dander is one of your triggers.
>>> [log in to unmask] 12/08/03 10:06AM >>>
Not to mention cautioning visitors that there are cats in the museum.
Many people, including myself, are allergic to cats and depending on the
breed and the state of cleaning up cat hairs, sometimes even being in
the same room causes an allergic reaction.
Full Name wrote:
>
> <<<Every sentient being has a right to a life free from pain and fear.
>
> The fact that most human beings trample all over these rights during every
> minute of our existence doesn't make this any less true.
>
> We have, as museum professionals, the opportunity to make important
> choices
> in "pest management" - choices that impact other lives. Can't we all just
> find a way to share this world?
> >>>>
>
>
>
>
> I have read with interest this thread about pest management and
> control, (and the various moral implications, and now I have a
> question. Recently, our 20th Century historic house, had a small
> outbreak of rodents, in particular at least two snakes and field mice,
> most likely caused by the change in outside temperature. Our
> director's suggestion is two bring in two cats (two so that they won't
> be alone). Our staff seems to have chosen that solution and to have
> offered to take care of the animals themselves. The staff are quite
> concerned with the ethics of removing the problem humanitarily but are
> also are freaked out working in this environment. Only recently, the
> director accidentally stepped on a snake while walking down a stone
> stairs. Obviously, this problem has a larger bearing on the state of
> repair to our building and our collections, and a solution and plan
> needs to be implemented. But retention and the well-being of our
> staff is also obviously important, and if we don't do something well
> ..... Since this is a modern house, mostly of stone and glass, and one
> where the outside world becomes one with the inside world, there is
> virtually no way to seal the outside world from the inside, and hence
> most modern approaches that have been discussed seem to not apply.
> (For instance there are a 1000 and one entrances, and that many more
> again if we could seal them off.) I do not even think that hiring an
> exterminator or pest control agent would solve the problem on a long
> term basis, nor the use of traps because they would be too numerous
> and too obvious or visible.
> My question here is what should we do? What would the museum response
> be to hiring two cats. Certainly, it might be more humane than sticky
> traps or other types. And in this instance, it is this letter
> writer's opinion that this would be an excellent solution. I know
> there will be issues about keeping them from breaking things, and
> causing wear and tear on things like textile coverings and these are
> issues that we will have to address. It seems a question of the
> lesser of two or more evils.
> I have said I would ask this esteemed list for their suggestions and
> feedback, and report back soon, so if you would respond either on or
> off list, I would be most appreciative, and if there are more
> questions, I would be more than willing to go into further explanation.
> With thanks in advance,
> William Straus
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