"Poor Cats" vs "Such a Nuisance" Stray Cat Care Controversy [Han Gija Reports]

Conflict Among Neighbors Over 'Gilgoyang-i Dolbom' Care
Providing Food and Neutering Surgery... Discomfort from Odor and Noise

An information board explaining the care of stray cats is hung on a wall in a busy area of Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Conflicts between neighbors over caring for stray cats continue. Those in favor of caring for cats argue that cats may starve and their lives could be in danger during the cold winter when they cannot find food properly. On the other hand, opponents complain that stray cats tear open garbage bags and cause severe odors and noise, making it difficult to carry out daily life properly.

On the wall of an alley in a busy area of Jung-gu, Seoul, a "Stray Cat Food Notice Board" is displayed. The notice states, "Please do not damage the stray cat food," and "There are volunteers managing stray cats in this area, so please do not damage it." It especially explains that "This area is managed by local governments and volunteers who perform neutering surgeries on stray cats."

It also refutes the main criticism from those opposing stray cat care, which is the "increase in the number of cats," by stating, "Feeding stray cats does not increase their numbers."

Citizens' views on caring for stray cats are divided. Kim, a company employee in his 30s who says he is generally interested in animal welfare, said, "I support caring for stray cats," adding, "After all, they are living beings, and it is wrong to ignore them when their lives are in danger and at risk."

On the other hand, there are opposing opinions. While not opposing caring for cats itself, the main reasons for opposition are that as the number of cats increases, they tear open garbage bags and suffer from various odors and noise.

Park, a worker in his 40s, said, "Some call people who oppose caring for cats 'animal abusers,' but that is not true at all," pointing out, "Cats tear open garbage bags left in front of houses, causing inconvenience in daily life." He continued, "The various odors and the noise from cats meowing cannot be ignored. It is really a big stress," raising his voice.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

As caring for stray cats spreads into conflicts between neighbors, some extreme situations have arisen. On the 5th, a warning sign stating "Feeding cats is X, will shoot with an air gun" was posted in a park in Jeonju, causing citizens to express anxiety. This warning sign was confirmed to have been hung in a park near a large apartment complex in Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do. The warning sign has since disappeared.

Meanwhile, there are cases where stray cats are directly killed. According to the Busan Animal Abuse Prevention Association, on August 9th around 2 p.m., a "cat mom" (stray cat caregiver) found a cat dead and hanging on a tree next to an institution in Nam-gu, Pohang. At the time of discovery, the cat was severely mutilated and covered in blood, apparently caused by a weapon.

A representative of the Busan Animal Abuse Prevention Association said, "I don't know why it was killed so cruelly," and appealed, "I hope the police catch the culprit."

Meanwhile, local governments are implementing "neutering projects (TNR)" and "feeding station installations" to solve the problem of stray cat population, which is one of the causes of conflicts during stray cat care. However, opinions are also sharply divided on this. For example, opponents of feeding station installations point out that cats gather around the feeding stations, causing noise and other disturbances that interfere with daily life.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Animal rights organizations have proposed coexistence with animals in crisis, including stray cats. The Korea Cat Protection Association emphasized, "What must be kept in mind first to care for stray cats is that many people around us dislike cats or animals," and added, "For stray cats and people to coexist in urban areas, it is necessary to prevent mutual harm."

The association explained, "Emphasizing only my love and pity for stray cats causes friction with residents, which directly affects the survival of stray cats," and added, "Efforts must be made to maintain good relations with residents. You must always be prepared to explain that you are not just feeding them but also taking responsible actions."

The association also emphasized that neutering of stray cats must be carried out. It stressed, "Neutered stray cats become gentle in temperament and do not make mating calls, so they become quieter. It also prevents the influx of unneutered cats from other areas."