Animal Abuse & Humane Issues

REPORT ANIMAL ABUSE IN CENTRAL OHIO

-FRANKLIN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY-
614-777-7387

-FAIRFIELD COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY-
740-687-0627

-DELAWARE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY-
740-369-7387

-LICKING COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY-
740-323-2100

OHIO & US HUMANE ORGANIZATIONS

Ohio SPCA
740-420-2984

Humane Society US

ASPCA

Report Additional Humane Issues

-High volume breeder--Humane Farming-
Ohio Dept of Agriculture
844-820-2234

-Bad Breeder-

-Cock Fighting-

A feral cat is an unowned domestic cat that lives outdoors and due to their natural instincts have become feral/wild again. Unlike stray cats, which may have once had a home and are naturally curious about humans, feral cats have had minimal or no interactions with humans during their lives. As a result, they lack the socialization that would make them comfortable around people. Their wild animal instincts drive them to avoid potential threats and with humans, being larger and often unpredictable, we fall into that category. If cornered, feral cats may act aggressively or defensively. So, if you encounter a feral cat, it’s best to give them space and not attempt to pick them up or pet them. Over time, with patience and care, some feral cats may learn to trust specific individuals, but their overall fear of humans remains.

How can you help?

ALWAYS spay and neuter your animals. NEVER release a domesticated animal in to the wild, instead find a breed specific rescue to take them.

Trap-Neuter-and-Return (TNR) programs help reduce the number of unwanted litters by fixing these cats and returning them to their feral cat communities where they can live out the rest of their life without reproducing.  It is important to TNR any feral cats as soon as you can to prevent pregnancies.

Visit the resources listed below if you need help with TNR efforts in your community.


TNR and Community Cat Resources

Side Fact:

The longer an animal has been domesticated, the more dependent it may be on humans for its survival, and animals that have been domesticated for many generations may have lost some of their wild instincts. In that same respect, the longer a domesticated animal is left in the wild, with each generation they become more feral/wild.

Different domesticated species also have varying degrees of adaptability to the wild and environmental factors play a very large part in that. Feral cats, dogs, horses, reptiles, birds and even fish are common animals seen in the wild.  Abandoned and far from their native ecosystems, the result is severe health consequences to the animal and our ecosystems. Wild horses on the Atlantic coast islands; Burmese Pythons, iguanas, chameleons and other reptiles in the Florida Everglades; wild hogs throughout the south, goldfish and even Tiger Oscars in North American rivers and lakes; pigeons and parrots.

To learn more about these feral and invasive species and what you can do to help address the concern, visit:

https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/

Additional Wildlife Resources

Orphaned and Injured Wildlife

Co-existing with Wildlife FAQs

Managing Nuisance Wildlife

Ohio Wildlife Center's Facebook Page

Did you know?

All adult raccoons, skunks, coyotes, fox and opossums trapped or captured by a nuisance wild animal control operator or property owner as a nuisance animal, must be euthanized even if they are healthy? What we often think is a nuisance animal, may actually be a misunderstood animal.

- Hedgehogs are endangered and are harmless and beneficial for your garden because they feed on insects that attack vegetables. Where to Put a Hedgehog House to Attract Hedgehogs for Your Garden
- Foxes have been reported as 'carrying cats away', when they are in fact carrying their cubs to a safer location.
- Opossums play an essential role in the ecosystem, but can also be a valuable asset to your garden by ridding it of beetles, slugs, and snails that damage garden plants. They also consume plant matter preferably fallen or rotting vegetation, cleaning up dropped fruits and vegetables, which can harbor disease.
- Foxes help control rodent populations. Their natural diet includes mice, voles, squirrels, and other small animals, which can help keep these pests in check. They also don’t pose a threat to pets or humans.
- Raccoons are skilled hunters and consume insects, rodents, and reptiles that many people consider pests, benefiting your yard and garden. As they dig in the soil for worms and insects, they aerate and turn over the soil, contributing to soil health and decomposition. They also eat fruits and nuts, and after enjoying their meal, they deposit seeds through their waste. This process helps with plant reproduction and encourages new plant growth.
- Crane flies or may flies, commonly known as a giant mosquito don't suck blood. They feed on the nectar of flowers and help with pollination.
- Snails are beneficial to the ecosystem. Put coffee grounds around your plants I will stay away and you will nourish the soil, because coffee grounds are fertilizer.

Ohio Wildlife Center does not recommend relocating wildlife because the animal will not stand a good chance at survival