Defense of animals does not rest following illogical Henrico ruling

Your outpouring of messages of continued support for Susan Mills and dismay at the illogical, irresponsible ruling of the Henrico Board of Zoning Appeals indicates that care of companion animals, including ones who are homeless, is both usual and habitual – as the Henrico County Attorney defined “customarily incidental.” Many of you have asked in one way or another “What’s next?” and we want you to know that we have not rested in our defense of the animals who rely on the Richmond SPCA to be their protectors and advocates.

• We are exploring the option of appealing this decision to the Circuit Court of Appeals.


• Feral cat caretakers in other areas of Henrico County should not stop feeding. Members of the board made statements in the course of yesterday’s hearing that they operate on a complaint basis, and that rulings and violation notices are situational. Should you be issued a violation for feeding or other care of feral cats, the Richmond SPCA will support your appeal of the violation. For this purpose, we plan to establish a fund in honor of Susan Mills and her heroic efforts to protect her group of feral cats.


• We are developing a campaign of passive resistance and expression of outrage. If you believe as we do that caring for companion animals is customarily incidental to a residence, and you wish to protect your rights as a resident of Henrico County, you will want to join us in resisting and protesting this ruling. More information will be posted as soon as it is available. 

Robin Robertson Starr is the chief executive officer of the Richmond SPCA. To read her biography or that of our other bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name. 

Comments

[Sue Morrow]

I was at the hearing. When the one gentleman said "we have heard all of that" he was mistaken. The lady speaking had just said that there was scientific proof that TNR was effective and he blew her off. That was something that had NOT been mentioned before, and it was blown off. That was when the decision was made (in my opinion).
If they don't have to listen to evidence supporting Susan Mills, then why was there even a hearing?

[Tammy Mills]

There are no words to express how thankful we are for the outpouring of support that my mom has received with the cats. She/Susan is doing what she has always done, which is be kind to animals. She couldn't have done this without you and for that I am eternally grateful.

[Kathy Long]

I believe that Henrico needs to take a look at their zoning laws. There are more than this one that is quite ridiculous. I would feed any animal that came to my home that was hungry because it is the right thing to do. I would be willing to sign any petition or send a letter if necessary. Susan Mills did nothing wrong.

[Eileen McAfee]

I attended and spoke at the Zoning Board Hearing in support of Susan Mills. After observing how the meeting was conducted by Chairwoman Harris, I can’t say that I am surprised at the outcome. Why? Because it was perfectly clear the “vote” was pre-determined by 4:5 members. Their ears and minds were completely closed to the logical, factual, LEGAL ARGUMENT made in regard to the ordinance in question, no matter how often it was repeated.

Without any discussion among the Board members about the issue, the presentations, or the ordinance subsequent to our presentations, Chairwoman Harris simply asked for a motion to be made to uphold the county’s position that Ms. Mills had violated an ordinance. Board Member Witte immediately complied, with Mr. Baca fast on his heels stating he seconded the motion. Were it not for Mr. Wright’s intervention, a vote would have been taken right then and there. (Mr. Wright, by the way, is the only Board member who is an attorney.)

In his reasoned explanation, Mr. Wright proceeded to explain the legalities involved to the non-lawyer Board members, as well as the need for a “common sense” and compassionate approach to the issue. He also alerted them to the fact that they were about to embark on voting on an issue likely of great concern to thousands of Henrico residents who also have companion animals,* yet they were not notified of this Hearing and therefore not present to submit their input. (*VA Code defines feral cats as “companion animals” just like our own pet cats and dogs.)

At least the Board members gave Mr. Wright the courtesy of speaking. . . before Chairwoman Harris called for the “yes” votes. . . and then she proceeded to close the Hearing. While I heard some “yeses,” I could not ascertain who said them or how many there were.

Once again, Mr. Wright had to intervene to ask that the “no” votes be taken. Harris complied and it was then we heard the one lone “no,” – Yep, Mr. Wright.

So yes, I am left with the impression that the outcome of the meeting was predetermined by the majority of the Board and we simply participated in an exercise in futility.

Eileen McAfee (Henrico, VA)

[Jeanne Bowles]

It was Ghandi who said,"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

Susan Mills did the right thing and I salute her and the many other folk who feed feral cats and other homeless animals.

I have fed feral cats for years and I will continue to do so. I recently trapped a mom and her 5 kittens. My husband and I made sure that all of them were neutered, had rabies shots and complete vaccinations. They are a joy to us.
My children and grandchildren have been taught that we care for
animals. Perhaps those members who voted against Susan Mills need a lesson in compassion and common sense.

Jeanne Bowles (Short Pump, Va.)

[Suzanne F. Loehr]

I too, was at the Hearing. It was brought up several times that Feral Cats look no different than the typical house cat. We are well aware that both groups are living creatures that feel cold,warmth,pain and hunger. So, how do we explain to these Feral Cats that because they are Feral they can't be Fed ? !
Suzanne F. Loehr
Bon Air, Va.

[Debra Clark]

I am feeding 5 cats every day ... and live in Henrico county. I look over my shoulder hoping the neighbors won't see what I'm doing -- and this is ridiculous! None of us should feel like outlaws for showing kindness and compassion to these "babies". Let's continue to encourage each other and stand behind Susan!

[Regina Castro]

I have set up a facebook page under events-Support Susan Mills-show some love!