Our EXOTIC furbabies part 2

[amberthe bobcat]

I thought Aiya came from George, when he had family issues and could not keep him. But, I thought he lived in Ohio or some other legal state. But I guess not

. Am I right on any of the Aiya rescue story? If not, boy am I getting old and senile.

Yes you are correct about Aiya, he did come from George. He does live in Ohio and is legal to own  one, for now that is.

I know you said Natasha came from upstate NY. But, I can not for the life of me remember Boris and Nakoma's rescue sorry. If you care to tell me that would be cool

Yes, Natasha came from upstate NY. Nakoma also came from NY. The person who had him was legal to do so (was grandfathered in after that state ban). However, they were not one of the good owners. In fact, poor Nakoma was abused and not handled at all as a kitten. So when someone made a complaint that they felt he was not getting the best care, the state DNR removed Nakoma from his previos owner. I was contacted and of course, I took him in. He is loved like all my others, even though he can not be handled the same, because he was not socialised properly. I can interact with him. When I go in his enclosure, you can get him to play with you and will take treats from my hand, but I can not pet him as I do my other bobcats and cougar. However, just this past summer. I was in with him and as he walked by me, I reached down and ran my hand down his back. He stopped, looked at me as if he thought, hmmm that wasn't bad at all 

But since he wasn't handled as a kitten, he just doesn't understand that petting or holding him is ok. But, he is loved as much as my others. And he gets all the attention he desires.

Boris came from a couple in Virginia. At the time they got him, they were legal to do so. However, they did not follow the rules prior to getting their cat. They had to get the permit first, before bringing him into the state. I personally told them how to go about this. But, they decided to get their cat first and then try to get the permit. When the state DNR came, they panicked and felt he should go to a new home. They didn't want the state to take him in fear he would be put down. I told them they may have to pay a fine for not getting the permit first, but since they were legal to own one, they would then need to apply for the permit. But, they were still worried and asked if I would take him in. He was only 8 weeks old at the time.

I haven't spoken with Carmelo's breeder in a while. I am sure they still breed, would have to call them and see.

I think you should start a thread in another area as well. Voices are heard in numbers. Keep us up-dated in this one too though, it is the only one I am subscribed to.

I just may do that. Have to see how things go after the start of the new year.

mldas-I like your thinking

 Welcome to the site

 

[cat person]

Yes you are correct about Aiya, he did come from George. He does live in Ohio and is legal to own  one, for now that is.

Did George ever get another Bobcat? Since, he now has a gf/wife plus her kids. Is he still breeding his higher percentage F4 Savannah cats? Yes, it would be easier if you asked him to join the site

.

Yes, Natasha came from upstate NY. Nakoma also came from NY. The person who had him was legal to do so (was grandfathered in after that state ban). However, they were not one of the good owners. In fact, poor Nakoma was abused and not handled at all as a kitten. So when someone made a complaint that they felt he was not getting the best care, the state DNR removed Nakoma from his previos owner. I was contacted and of course, I took him in.

Why would anyone get an exotic kitten and not handle it? I mean, a "domestic" cat/kitten that is not well handled when young, is like a wild animal. So, I can not imagine what Nakoma was like when you first got him. I give you a lot of credit for taking on such an improperly socialized captive born exotic.

I am fairly sure I could not do it. Since, I would not have a "domestic" cat like that. I also would not have a hybrid like that either.

He is loved like all my others, even though he can not be handled the same, because he was not socialised properly. I can interact with him. When I go in his enclosure, you can get him to play with you and will take treats from my hand, but I can not pet him as I do my other bobcats and cougar. However, just this past summer. I was in with him and as he walked by me, I reached down and ran my hand down his back. He stopped, looked at me as if he thought, hmmm that wasn't bad at all 

But since he wasn't handled as a kitten, he just doesn't understand that petting or holding him is ok. But, he is loved as much as my others. And he gets all the attention he desires.

I do have to ask, how do you get him to the veterinarian? In case of emergency or for scheduled procedures/issues. I think it is great that you are willing to take in a cat like that. You have a bigger heart then me.

Boris came from a couple in Virginia. At the time they got him, they were legal to do so. However, they did not follow the rules prior to getting their cat. They had to get the permit first, before bringing him into the state. I personally told them how to go about this. But, they decided to get their cat first and then try to get the permit. When the state DNR came, they panicked and felt he should go to a new home.

I always wonder about people  like that

. I mean, you gave them (owner) the proper information to keep the cat. But, they still would not/could not follow threw. I did think the breeder was responsible for the import permit. Not the customer/owner.

They didn't want the state to take him in fear he would be put down. I told them they may have to pay a fine for not getting the permit first, but since they were legal to own one, they would then need to apply for the permit. But, they were still worried and asked if I would take him in. He was only 8 weeks old at the time.

Well, Boris is very lucky to have gotten to live with you. I feel you are very lucky to have gotten Boris at such a young age, so he could be a great pet/friend. I still think it is sad that if the owner had followed threw with the proper procedure, then they could have kept there pet. But, if they where not willing to do the procedure correctly/legally, then maybe it is better they did not get the cat

.

I haven't spoken with Carmelo's breeder in a while. I am sure they still breed, would have to call them and see.

Just keep that number

. Just in case I ever really do want to acquire a cougar. Do you feel Carmelo is an exceptional cat? By that I mean, is his  temperament (being so good) a result of his breeding/breeder and your upbringing or just luck?

Please note, my responses are in red/orange colored type.

 

[amberthe bobcat]

My friend and fellow exotic animal owner, George Kraus, wrote a long post on his face book wall ref the situation in Ohio. I am not posting a link to facebook, but have his FULL permission to repost what he wrote on this site. I started a new thread with his post here http://www.thecatsite.com/t/239870/exotic-animal-owners-under-attack-in-ohio#post_3157542. I could have re-written what he said, but this saves me a lot of typing. Please pay cloase attention th the statistics, because they will prove there is NO reason for any ban on exotics in Ohio. There is NO emergency in Ohio, regarding exotic animals.

 

[amberthe bobcat]

Just F.Y.I. it is believed a bill will be introduced in the Ohio senate at the beginning of February. Don't know what is/will be in it yet, but I will post as soon as I get the information. One thing is for sure, a WAR is about to begin in Ohio.

 

[amberthe bobcat]

An update on the Ohio (HSUS) encouraged bill. The bill was supposed to have a sponsor hearing this week, but has been delayed. Not sure why, some say it is not complete yet, but I also heard there was a dispute between the Senator introducing the bill and the Governor, which could be a bad thing. As it stands now, it looks like I will be grandfathered in, but without seeing the bill, no one knows for certain and this delay may mean something has changed. I read the bill in it's current form, but I have to wait now to see what has changed. Once I get the final draft, I will post it here for everyone to read the nonsense for themselves.

 

[amberthe bobcat]

Well folks who care. This may very soon, be the last time I post here about this. In short, the bill that is trying to be shoved down our throats by HSUS and JACK HANNA...Yes, Jack Hanna, if it passes in current form, will be the end of my cats lives. There are things in the bill, the way it is written that NO ONE will be able to comply with. They say current owner's will be grandfathered, but that is a lie. So if it does pass in it's current form (which we are fighting to change or stop) I will only have a few choices. 1) Move out of state which would mean, trying to find a new job, buying a place to live with my animals and selling my current home, which we know at this time will be almost impossible. 2) Having my animals ripped from their home and taken to a place I will have no control over or 3) Having all of them PTS!! Wow, have to love the choices I have to make living in a so called, free country!! Thank you HSUS and JACK HANNA and to all that support them. If this bill passes, you are the reason my cats will die!! Sorry to be so blunt, but it is the truth.

 

[yayi]

Oh no, this is sad. But you said the grandfather clause is a lie? I can't believe the law is so unfair and blind to good owners like you. 

Also, your 3rd choice sounds too harsh. But I can understand how you feel. 

 

[carolina]

John, first,

Calling, writing the governor's office..... Does that help ANY? I called...... Can we do ANYTHING else to help?
More vibes

 

[rosiemac]

John do you want to start a thread in SOS so you can get peoples help?

 

[amberthe bobcat]

There is also a thread in the SOS and I posted the same thing there. If you live outside the state I say yes, call the Governor's office. Governor John Kasich (like kaysick) (614) 466-3555. Let them know you oppose Senate Bill 310.

Sadly my third choice is something I would never want to do. But, if this bill passes and my cats get confiscated after I apply for a permit, pay a $1,000.00 fee (NON REFUNDABLE) and they say sorry, we are not going to give you a permit. They will confiscate and destroy them. The bill is written that USDA licensed sanctuaries in Ohio will NOT be able to keep their animals as well. If they think the animals that died in Zanesvile was bad, wait until they refuse ALL permits and take everyone's animals.

I must say, we in Ohio are at war. We have been writing, calling etc like crazy. Tomorrow is one of the opponent hearings and I have a feeling that the state house is going to be jammed. Ohioans do NOT take this AR crap sitting down. We fight and will continue to do so no matter how hard HSUS and Jack Hanna yell. I have to say, the Senate is taking notice. One thing that helped too, was that during a proponent hearing (for the bill) not many people were at the state house. So if the people who oppose the bill pack the state house, they will notice. Lets hope and pray. I will keep everyone updated. I was on the phone all moring with the Senator's offices, I wrote my testimony and emailed all of them. I won't stop!!

 

[carolina]

 

[carolina]

John, how was it today? :cross:

 

[crickets mom]

Apparantly the term "innocent until proven guilty" does not apply to our pets.  Not in the state of Ohio, and not to the HSUS. 

I will not even drive though Ohio due to the Breed Specific Legislation (on dogs) in your state.  I refuse to spend one penny of my money there.  Many other areas have BSL, but Ohio is the only state that has a statewide restriction on specific breeds, and in some areas in Ohio it is a straight up ban. Talk about PREJUDICE!!!! As we can see from the situation you are in now, it is a slippery slope.

I sympathize with your situation.  It is obvious you love your pets.  It also seems you are a reponsible owner. 

Im sure there are other states which would love to have your tax money. Do you really want to live in a state that is so obviously prejudice? (no offence to all the good people living in OH)

It makes me sick to think of all the animals put to sleep because an organization, or a state deems them to be "vicious". 

I wish you and all the other people fighting to keep rights as American citizens, the best of luck. 

By the way, your cats are beautiful, and look very happy.

 

[amberthe bobcat]

THANK YOU for your support!! Let me tell you this. Ohio animal owners made themselves heard loud and clear. The room was packed to standing room only and out the door. Now, this is a committee hearing, so the room isn't as big as it will be if this bill should go before the whole Senate. But still, the committee knows for sure loud and clear, this bill must be stopped!! The proponent hearing had very few people in this same room, but the opponent hearing as stated, was at standing room only and out the door. The meeting went on for hours and one persons 15 yon son spoke and got an applause from the chair of the committee (applauding is not usually allowed). Next hearing is April 17th. Lets pack this one as well with even more people!! Here is a link to an article about the hearing http://www.chron.com/news/article/Exotic-animal-owners-oppose-Ohio-bill-new-fees-3438334.php

 

[GoldyCat]

that somebody is actually listening.

 

[amberthe bobcat]

I have an update. Of course no one was listening. Even though the people AGAINST the bill SB310 outnumbered the people for it 30-40 to1. On all the days that I attended the senate hearings that lasted until approx 6pm, only 5 people testified for it and the rest of the day was person after person after person who testified AGAINST it. Sadly, the senate voted for this ban bill. What really angers all of us, is that while the opponents testified against the bill, the senators who should have been listening to us, got up and walked out, talked amongst themselves and really did not give a s---!!!! The Senator who introduced the bill, Senator Balderson, he himself got up many times and left the room. Now it is understood, that some of the senators have other things they have to vote on etc, but senator Balderson should have remained there at all times. This is his bill (well not his, he did not write it, HSUS did) so he should have been there for every single testimony. They never asked any questions of the people who testified against it, but always asked questions of the people who were for it. Why you may ask? Because we know their minds were made up and even though we have no proof, we know darn well they have been paid off by someone. I know who, but will not say here. We DO however, have written proof that the GOVERNOR himself, was paid off. That is why he is pushing so hard to get this bill to pass. Now, the bill is going before the house. We do have a better chance in the house and we have a strong plan. I won't say what it is here, because I know there are numerous HSUS supporters here or some that may read these posts. SB310 is a bill written by HSUS, there is no question. The part that EVERY PET OWNER OR ANIMAL LOVER MUST TAKE NOTE. This bill is targeted at ALL animals and to eliminate ALL animal ownership. How do I know this? Very simple. One line of the bill gives the director of the ODA (Ohio Department of Agriculture) to add ANY animal he/she feels is dangerous at any time after the bill becomes law (if it does) That means, if some HSUS person gets that position, they can add any animal at will. Farm animals, domestic dogs, cats etc. And if that is not proof enough, domestic hybrid cats are already on the list!! Bengals and Savannahs would be banned!! But as stated, we do have a very strong plan now for the house, we will see how that goes. If all else fails and the bill passes, we are already set to file a lawsuit against the state because many parts of the bill are unconstitutional and also not legal. I won't go into that part yet either. So, we will see what happens next!!

 

[GoldyCat]

I really hope your plan to stop it in the house works, and that you don't have to go to the step of challenging it after it becomes law.

 

[amberthe bobcat]

I really hope your plan to stop it in the house works, and that you don't have to go to the step of challenging it after it becomes law.

Thank you!! This whole thing has taken a huge toll on me, that I won't lie. Between going to the state house, writing, calling and then the thought of losing my cats has put me in a state of depression. And lets not forget the total lies and nonsense by the media, Jack Hanna and HSUS. But, the exotic animal owner's in Ohio are strong and we will NOT stop fighting. And as I have told others, over my dead body will ANYONE take my cats from me!!.

 

[rescuecatmommy]

I've read through this whole thread and I just wanna say two things.

1. Your cats are gorgeous. I am in love with them.

2. If they get taken from you, my faith in America is gone.

Is there any way those outside the state can help?

 

[amberthe bobcat]

My faith in America has died a long time ago. No longer free as they say we are. But I won't get into that lol. One thing I will stand by, NO ONE is going to touch my cats even if this bill passes and all other owners I have spoken with have said the same. I am legal as it stands right now and no one has the right to force me to get rid of them or take them from me, unless it has been proven that the animals are in neglect and not being properly cared for, which is not the case in a long shot by any means. But if things do go horribly wrong, I do have people lined up that can take them until I can move out of state. America, home of the free...nothing but a lie.