Tag Cloud
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Local Man Fired for Feeding Cats
by Heather Ireland, published on February 1, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Storyline: Local Man Fired for Feeding Cats
Community Tags
7up
advocates
animals
cats
disabled
discusting that an american cannot help cats live because of some fool that hates animals
dr pepper
family
feral
homeless
hungry
jason genthner
john beck
karma
man
open2012
pets
picket the guy
sacramento
seems that this man should sue or blog this company on the internet and get peta involved
snapple
spca
the man that got him fired is a predator and should pay the price or doing such a horrible thing
tnr
Loading images
Larry Ottoviani officially lost his job after seven years with the 7Up Bottling Company for doing the one thing that helped him counteract the anxiety in his personal life.
That one thing was feeding hungry cats.
“I love cats and don’t like to see them go hungry,” Ottoviania said. “When I’m feeding cats I can forget everything else for awhile.”
Ottoviani had been warned several times by his supervisor not to feed the cats. The official termination notice dated Jan. 4, 2012, stated that Ottoviani violated his “last chance agreement not to feed the cats on company time and/or company property.”
While Ottoviani does not deny feeding cats, he denied doing so during company time and on company property.
What was it that Ottoviani felt a need to momentarily forget about, even if it meant risking his job?
He is the father of a dependent adult child with severe physical disabilities and has also been coping with the effects of a debilitating illness afflicting his wife.
During the past year, his wife’s condition required several hospital visits as well as some extended stays. And after a tumor had been found on Ottoviani’s right kidney it required the surgical removal of that kidney.
Fortunately, job-related medical insurance covered most of the costs. Since the loss of his job, Ottoviani says he doesn’t know what he’s going to do. Even with COBRA, a health benefit provision that provides temporary continuation of health coverage at group rates, Ottoviania admits “I don’t know how I’m going to afford to pay the $400 monthly premiums.”
The 7 Up Bottling Company, a subdivision of the Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group with headquarters in Plano, Texas is a beverage production facility governed by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration.
According to company spokesperson Jason Genthner, “The FDA states that we must ensure that the grounds around the food plant under the control of the operator shall be kept in a condition that will protect against the contamination of food. Over the years we have seen an increased presence of feral cats on our property.”
Ottoviani believes that if it weren’t for him, at least in part, there would be far more cats on and around company premises.
In 2008, two local animal advocates, Linda Silva and Nicole Hutchinson, discovered Ottoviani feeding cats. When they saw how many cats there were, they immediately began working with Ottoviani on what is commonly referred to as TNR --Trap/Neuter/Return.
Alley Cat Allies, a national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats maintains a website that identifies TNR as the humane, effective approach for feral cats. Feral cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and ear tipped (the universal symbol of a neutered and vaccinated cat), and then returned to their outdoor home.
The organization states that another aspect of TNR is that kittens and other cats that can be socialized are not returned but instead adopted into homes. These procedures stabilize colonies of cats since altered cats no longer produce kittens.
Hutchinson enlisted volunteers from the Sacramento Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) to sweep and clean up shards of broken glass in an unused area adjacent to the 7Up Bottling Company before launching an aggressive trapping program.
Hutchinson said that between August 2008 and December 2009, 71 cats were trapped and brought to the Sacramento SPCA which runs low-cost feral cat clinics on the first and third Sundays of every month.
The costs for altering the cats were paid by donations from the volunteers and from and grant funds. Ottoviani took home some of the tame cats and kittens, later finding homes for them. He kept the ones he couldn’t find homes for.
In 2006, there was a similar cat feeding incident involving a farmhand employed at the Cornell University Animal Science Teaching and Research Center in
Hartford, CT
Harford, N.Y..
John Beck was fired for feeding cats on the premises according to a story posted on the Best Friend Animal Sanctuary Network webpage. Beck filed a 20 million dollar lawsuit against Cornell University, which then filed a motion to have the lawsuit thrown out.
Beck admitted that his lawsuit was a long shot and that it was filed “for the principle of the thing.”
“How do you fire somebody for feeding cats?” Beck asked.
Ottoviani still believes he did the right thing. “I acted according to my conscience”, he said.
Linda Silva agrees. “Larry didn’t just feed the cats”, she said, “He went beyond the call of duty and took responsible action. It’s unfortunate that this would lead to the loss of his job.”
Editor's note: Corrections have been made to this article after publishing.
Flag Article As:
Conversation Express your views,
debate, and be heard with those in your area closest
to the issue.
Leave a Comment
We will accept your entry, but please know that we have support staff available to help with posting. In the future if you have posting issues (at a reasonable hour) we can walk you through the process. The email for technical or site problems is support@sacramentopress.com.
I have to say that it is very typical that I received not one response to my posts here. As well as I left my phone contact and e mail for this purpose.
I think Larry received help from those (so many)who are merely busy bodies and really lack the integrity to define the real issues that desperately need the resources rather than support a frivolous cause, such as a "man fired because he is feeding cat’s".
Many will be pleased to know that the Drug addict/schizophrenic “Cat Lady” and her boyfriend/pimp and their abused children have been evicted. Years after “trying to save the Cats” / hording cat feces, to the point of absolutely horrific.
The ( Keystone Cops) The term has since come to be used to criticize any group for its mistakes, particularly if the mistakes happened after a great deal of energy and activity, or if there was a lack of coordination among the members of the group. -Sheriff’s department ( Fair Oaks 95628 )allowed her to load up 20 of the cats in her automobile/kennel and drive away??? And return for many more over a week’s time thereafter.
The rest of the cats that did not run away (between 5-10) were trapped over a period of three weeks’ time by animal control: who refused to confront the hard issue head on while they could have.( Can you say Tax Payers? )
I asked to interview them regarding their epic failures over the past two years. (…..“But I was the one who filed all the reports and called you to come and get the Cats, after you dropped the ball, when the sheriff’s department called you yesterday. You told them that there was no reason to come out as long as the cats were not sick or dying etc.)
They responded “ We don’t have to talk to you Mr. Turner.
This is ironic because I did not receive one response to my post here as well.
So I believe it is just as well to also leave the hard issues up to (in contrast with the easy /mediocre) those who are chosen. For many are called, but few are chosen. Matthew 22 -14
If you ever want to cover a real story please feel free to call me 916 -961-6325
www.tridynamic.com.....................................................far beyond
Firstly, I do commend anyone for possibly trying to help another albeit somewhat of a one sided story here, However, as stated by "Linda Silva agrees" at the closing of your article, Larry "went above beyond the call of duty" i.e his paid position at his place of employment. I feel for the man because I too have a son with severe physical disability but anyone who want's to feed and help cat's can volunteer at a clinic or visit a rescue or simply work to save the cats on your day off without risking ones livelihood in the process.
The other side of the coin: My neighbor has a fixation with cat's. A large number of cats, and hoards them and their feces to the point of absolutely foul. I live In Fair Oaks near Hazel ave.
This story is similar,(related) in the way that she and her children have finally lost their home.( My research on the property has determined: foreclosed with currently the gas shut off. I spoke with the PG&E man and he said the smell imitating from the home was unbearable,he felt bad and he wished me luck ) But with no relief in sight for the family living in there nor the dazed and confused neighbors as foreclosures are dragging out for up to five years, and "squatting" is more and more acceptable in today's somewhat diversified culture.( I would not be shocked if someone starts a "pitch in and help" for her regarding possibly loosing all of her cat's and piles of feces. Although I would like to (( start a pitch in and help, any idea's ? )) see her / family receive Intervention, but that's probably out of the question as reality tends to scare away the trolls...... here ?.
Oh, sorry People, please realize the serious (Human) health risks involved with free(indoor /outdoor)and roaming cats (feces brought in on the bottoms of cat's paws,indoors or around people mainly). Google Toxo plasma Cat schizophrenia virus; contracted(spread) by cats to humans starting with host's such as rats and or birds- which is now becoming better understood through research.
At any rate, If anyone ( other bleeding hearts like myself here ? ) can help the large number of cat's being locked inside for most of their lives next door to me for years now, however, only to be let out to mate in season Jan-Feb (like right now) by the irresponsible (infected with the virus ?) woman. Her un- spayed /Neutered juvenile Cat's mate with wild and free roaming cat's that are attracted (like herself) to the stench emitting from her dwelling ( her master plan of course to keep the numbers strong.) Using feral cat's that scratch and moan and stink / defend the right to the chance to help her do so.
I am sincerely asking you to please help the ( many inbreeding ) cat's that lay down in front of cars( some are being ran over neighbors report backing over them.
God forbid helping humans or the innocent man children trapped inside this feces hole and subject to the schizophrenia / virus'( Fact ) transmitted through the cat feces.
Please do not waist time speaking to me about 95628 Sacramento county animal control or health department because these, after several cases # will never go inside ( without any integrity whatsoever )..... several cases dropped. They always say In an almost (scary)lobotomized way " if they are not feeding them at the front door then they are not in violation"......??? Case closed = years and years of stench and anxiety, and neighbors scared to band together but rather succumb to the conditions with our (broken) system as well as inside this home with no shortage of lame excuses like, "with budget cuts resources are not available" and from the neighbors,..... "I went to school with them,....They are on drugs,..... She's crazy and,,,,, I don't want to be involved" .
The best one was from the Local Fair Oaks 95628 law enforcement ..." I told you to get a restraining order".........LOL
Hours of research concludes, the reasons for failing to act are that people are scared,afraid,or can't smell very well along with my best theory of they may not know what the vertical formation of bumps between their shoulder blades are.( a spine )
Along with those who actually hoard cats become(immune) attracted to the cat and feces smell and actually get a form of (euphoria) high that has to do with releasing large amounts of dopemine (feel good) in the brain. So as time goes on ,(years) like any drug addiction, one needs more( Cat's feces ) to maintain the level of high obtained previously.Which will explain the infamous Crazy cat lady and the cat's locked inside a home.Far from a natural free roaming environment = animal cruelty.
Because of myself and family taking a stand over the years, most of the neighbors do not speak to us in fear they will be looked down on by the cat lady and her less than undesirable group of friends(on the street as well) that come and go at all hours of the night. Instead some neighbors tell us in secret they do not like it, but nevertheless refrain from waiving hi to us when Crazy Cat lady and her boyfriend / cronies are around.
Even the local law enforcement side with them.... (on several occasions, I believe, related to the schizophrenia. When they realize we have relocated a dozen or more cat's, our lives and our children are threatened ( "you will pay for this") and while some other (scared) neighbor calls the sheriff which come in the matter of minutes = between 6-8 officers ) ...... and they told us that "it makes no difference that you received 2009 Outstanding young Californian as well as several distinguished U.S. patents for your work with disabled children and with UCD MC -Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation " www.tridynamic.com ...."you are no better than anyone" i.e. crazy cat lady, her feces and the drug addicts.(criminal justice system) That is to say their bread and butter.
Please do not get me wrong I have three cat's and all of them are spayed. They even take turns sleeping on the fence to fight off the invading colonies that escape the Crazy cat lady's clutches for awhile, at least until till feeding/ breeding time.
I fear that there should be many more after so much moaning over the past three years or more.
My greatest (speculation) fear is that they are being consumed.
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/man-arrested-for-eating-cats.html
S.T.C. like S.O.S. Save The Cat's Please call me if you can help 916-961-6325 tridynamic.com@gmail.com
I have been trapping as many as I can over the years without remedy because I can't get cooperation from the cat lady, to fix the cat's she has.I believe she want's the great number of cat's to do what she has been (hoarding) with them ???
I just caught a large (moaning) Feral so the moaning by my bedroom window will cease for a while but I regret he has already done his duty. We are overrun by(abandoned/kicked out by the Cat Lady ) feral's. They then battle over the Cat Ladies lovelies and(dwelling) territory alike. I should be expecting a few more dozen in about a month or so.....around and around we go....where it stops.......??? ( We were also told by law enforcement to "move out")
can you get it in some other way or later? this is too good of a story to let go. Was this for the BEE ?
the more public aweness on TNR and the repurcussions of people NOT doing the right thing is essentil to get out to readers. Good Job. darlene
Thanks for posting!
Also, does the story end here? Will the cats continue to be fed or trapped and either relocated or humanely euthanized.
We are working with a large company (equivalent to 7up Bottling company. They were told by the FDA they needed to get all of their feral cats they have been feeding for the last 10 years out of there.
Anyway, they contacted us and agreed to pay to have the cats sent to us (the responsible thing to do) instead of turning their back and letting the cats starve. Have you sent this article to all the newspapers, PETA or other animal advocates that can do something about this?
Thank you
Jaysen
The feeding areas I saw were well off of the company premises. I did not see any on company premises or near to where any bottling activity would occur.
I do agree that PETA should become involved if at all possible as I feel his rights are being violated and he was only trying to feed the starving cats, which the shelters have no room for.
Those involved should continue to work with Alley Cat Allies, as they work specifically with feral cat situations such as these.
I do know this much, their son should be on SSI which automatically gives you Medicaid. There are state and government programs to help disabled minors. I would hope they have these programs inplace for their son. They need a well informed social worker help them find the support they need.
He should have obeyed the wishes of the land owner, and moved the colony to his own house or the property of a willing landowner. Moving cat colonies has been done when the owners tear down an abandoned building with cats or when land owners decide having a colony cats isn't such a great idea.
TNR does not work. The studies conducted by practitioners themselves show that the decreases are mainly due to the REMOVAL of kittens and adoptable adults. It's a biological fact that if you provide resources (ie cat food) cats will be healthier and breed in greater numbers. Because TNR groups can never capture and neuter the 70% of the cats needed to provide population reduction, it is a waste of time and money. If you love cats, build an outdoor enclosure on YOUR property and trap and remove them from areas where they are not wanted. Put your love and compassion to good use and house cats on your OWN PROPERTY. These are domestic animals that deserve homes....not just a handful of food every day. Cats get diseases and parasites, get run over by cars and eaten by coyotes. How is it HUMANE to re-abandon them after capture and neutering?
Man has destroyed the way of nature and those of us to try to reestablish the plan of Mother Nature get your foolish complaints. Get off your stick Mr. Do you even know your neighbors, do you even care about them? Or do you just live inside your walls and make up your own mind based on the internet? Try doing the work and see for yourself. TNR is the only thing that works. Otherwise get off your computer and go kill animals yourself. You take the responsibility and you threaten Mother Nature. See what comes back. Because she is an angry woman when you pull her strings.
Rodents carry disease, not cats. But you may carry disease also and it's called ignorance.
From a study that had been published in "The Journal of Animal Ecology", researchers had tested a theory by introducing feral cats, as well as rats, to controlled study areas on small islands around New Zealand, in order to study the effect of these on nesting birds.
What they determined was that "the elimination of feral cat populations from such ecosystems could lead to a more severe negative impact on the endemic species, as a result of expansion of rodent populations once their predators are removed. Attempted reduction of the cat population of Amsterdam Island is alleged to have caused a compensating rise in the number of rats and mice." http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2656.1999.00285.x/full
As one reader commented, rats and mice are attracted to ingredients that go into manufactured food products.
While rodents tend to invade indoor areas where food ingredients are present, unlike rodents, feral cats tend to avoid humans and generally limit their activities to peripheral areas away from most human activity. This would suggest that contamination of food products is highly likely to occur as the result of rodents coming into contact with food ingredients and unlikely to occur as the result of contact with feral cats ( which provide the added benefit of keeping the rodent population down.)
When Mr. Ottoviani started feeding cats they were already present; he did not bring them there.
Consider also that he and others prevented countless litters from being born through the practice of TNR which ends the reproductive abilities of the cats. 71 cats were sterilized in just over one year. Mr. Ottoviani did state that he did remove many of the cats. However, he is bound by laws which limit how many animals are allowed per residence within city limits.
Relocating feral cats only creates a problem in the area to which they are relocated, especially if they had not been sterilized. Feral cats turned over to animal shelters are destroyed since they aren't adoptable as pets at the cost of the taxpayers.
TNR does appear to be a humane solution and the scientific evidence does support that feral cats do control rats and mice, which pose a more serious threat to food production facilities than TNR maintained feral cats do.
I too am touched by what they must be going through.
It's got to be difficult for caring people who want to do something to help to not know what the best means of getting together to do something would be. Since this is an online news publication I'm not sure how readers wanting to do something could become involved via a public forum without disclosing personal contact information. Perhaps that is something that could be addressed by the editorial staff if it is even fair to put them in that position. I'm not sure what the rules are on that.
i heard about this article on facebook, and i dont have much time now, but i will be sure to share this in the rescue world, and even if 7-up does the wrong thing, i think if we could get the word out people would donate a few dollars to help him w/ his COBRA. which would make the company look even worse. btw, i thought 7-up was owned by pepsico, but i could be wrong esp since sierra mist came out, maybe they sold it?
I do TNR and set up feeding stations and maintain these colonies of feral cats. I have a few hard to catch adult females but now that I bought a drop trap, boom 3-4 cats at one time, move them into transfer cages, alter and then release. I received a ton a grief from local businesses, complaining about the cat poop, the cats you know what ever they could complain about they would. But after about a year now, all of these businesses well except for one, have seen a large reduction in feral roaming cats. They are colonized to about 5-7 cats per area, they are healthy and generally not a bother anymore. No one believed me, but now they are seeing a difference. Wish they would donate a bag of food now and then that would be nice but oh well.
If people from the 7UP Bottling Company (DrPepper/Snapple Group) fully understood tthat it is not the FEEDING of cats that is the cause of the problem but rather the BREEDING of cats that is the problem, perhaps this may not have happened.
The only way to stop reproduction of animals is to sterilize them, which Mr. Ottoviani and SSPCA volunteers had been doing.
Before the 2008 TNR campaign began there were 71 cats. According to Mr. Ottoviani, by the time he lost his job there were less than two dozen cats left on the surrounding premises.
If corporate America had a better understanding of TNR, (Trap/Neuter/Return) I think there would be more cooperation with people involved in TNR efforts and people like Mr. Ottoviani wouldn't lose their jobs. Perhaps instead, they would be rewarded.
Go to their facebook page and *calmly* and *respectfully* request that they reconsider the termination. (if we are brash and insulting, not only will they ignore us, it will make *us* look like the losers).
Some things to check out before writing--this company's webpage features the notion that they celebrate giving back to the community; something that Larry and the other feral cat volunteers were doing. Are they walking the walk when they talk this talk? LARRY should be celebrated not only for his contribution to the community, but also to the unimaginable strength he puts forth in the care of his family. If he's embezzled money or punched a co-worker, then firing might make more sense. But firing a 7 year employee because Larry had showed kindness to animals doesn't ad up. Here is the link to their community program: http://www.drpeppersnapplegroup.com/values/philanthropy/
I also just looked at their 2011 annual report, and found a statement that they are integrating the notion of company volunteerism to help their communities. It seems to me that if they really believe in empowering their employees to give back to the community, they have the CHOICE to consider Larry's activities to be part of this campaign...otherwise it seems very hypocritical.
"BY 2015, DPS WILL:
• Contribute a total of 100,000 volunteer hours and attain an annual giving level of $10 million in charitable cash donations, with the majority of support focused on fit and active lifestyles, environmental sustainability, emergency relief and community celebrations. In August 2010, Dr Pepper Snapple Group announced the launch of ACTION Nation, our unified approach to corporate philanthropy. The mission of ACTION Nation is to foster physically active, engaged and sustainable communities where our employees, customers and consumers live and work. ACTION Nation focuses on four key areas: fit and active lifestyles, environmental initiatives."
--this is from page 10 of the annual report: http://www.drpeppersnapplegroup.com/files/2011_Corporate_Social_Responsibility_Report.pdf
I hope that Alley Cat Allies and/or Best Friends can get involved to advocate for the man who advocated for homeless cats. They will all benefit by educating this company on the value of Larry's actions...and maybe get a little media attention to create more pressure on 7-Up to do the right thing. It's important to stand up for those who stand up for the animals, and also to help others. We never know when *WE* might need a helping hand.
https://www.facebook.com/7UP?sk=wall
Volunteers donated their own money to reduce the cat population around the 7-Up Bottling Plant; it cost over $1000 to sterilize 71 cats that would have continued to drop litters on and around company property.
There is a mistaken public perception that simply "starving" an animal keeps them from breeding. Mammals, including humans, breed and reproduce even during conditions in which there are extreme food shortages. Without the help of a human, cats continue to survive and breed if rodents and other vermin are present. What they can't do without human help, is to sterilize themselves, hence people like Mr. Ottoviani.
I do wish people would finally come to understand this process and would work together instead of against each other towards solutions that have been proven rather than on misconceptions.
The Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group has an opportunity here. If they would simply be willing to take a step back and to look at this situation objectively, I think they would be able to see how what Mr. Ottoviani and SSPCA volunteers did by sterilizing 71 cats was of benefit to the company; that what these people had done actually helped the company achieve their objectives of maintaining standards of cleanliness.
If they could see this, and admit this, then they could take a large leap and do something truly redeeming in the eyes of the people, they could stand by their creed!
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/reinstate-larry-ottoviani/
To all concerned,
I hope you keep us informed, and keep this in the news about this terrible incident. I cant believe that 7-up would do such a thing as to fire someone for feeding a needy animal. I dont even want to buy any of their products anymore unless they give that man his job back!
These are hard times and this mans humanity towards animals should be commended not punnished. I am outraged to say the least.
Its obvious to me that 7-up has no heart!
I am boycotting them as of this minute..
I will email 7-up to tell them off too...
We have received several emails commending The Sacramento Press for breaking this story. However, we'd like to clarify that the author of this story is one of our many talented community contributors who voluntarily posted this article as an entry to our journalism contest last month.
That being said, we are lucky she chose to use our platform to bring awareness to this situation! At 7,000 views right now, you are doing a great job of spreading the word about this article. Thanks again for posting, Heather!
News 10 needs to get their facts straight. Epilepsy does not confine a person to a wheelchair. Mr. Ottoviani's son has cerebral palsy, not epilepsy, as was stated. Factual errors are one thing however, omission of facts are another.
Notice the one cat that News 10 caught on camera near a feeding area? That's not exactly what I'd call a huge cat colony! The numbers of cats at 7-UP are WAY down and that's purely as a result of Mr. Ottoviani's hard work and those of the volunteers that helped him.
By failing to report on the accomplishments of Mr. Ottoviani and Sacramento SPCA volunteers after they had sterilized 71 cats, this omission, deliberate or not, gave the appearance that Mr. Ottoviani had worsened or even created the problem. How unfair!
As I had ALREADY reported and News 10 SIMPLY REPEATED, Mr. Ottoviani has never denied feeding the cats despite warnings not to. What News 10 should have mentioned is that after the warnings he MOVED the cats OFF of company property.
Mr. Ottoviani trusted News 10 when they unexpectedly showed up in front of the home that he is still in the process of moving out of. He lost his home after 22 years of living there and the family is now homeless.
Nothing like kicking a guy for having a big heart just after he has hit rock bottom. Thanks New 10! I think that's what many of us will now remember your station for. I know that I will.
Granted if 7-up has no proof he was not feeding them on the job yes they were wrong, but in a plant the size of 7-up how many cameras do you thing can prove otherwise if in fact he was lieing to try and save his job?
Please do not bash me and do not say I do not have a heart. All I am saying is reading the story I feal real bad for the guy but all in all was 7-up 100% wrong? I do not think so. Do I think they could have done things differently? Possibly yes but I have yet to see the story up to the last chance and what proof they have he was feeding them on the clock to decide if they handled it proper or not..
On Friday, McDonalds was taken to task by dog lovers across the country when an offensive commercial aired. The public responded and, within hours, the ad had been pulled and an apology had been issued. Perhaps it's just taking longer for *this* company to get it's legal ducks in a row before making a public statement. We'll see what happens tomorrow, but it's hard to give corporations the benefit of the doubt anymore. If there is more to the story, I'll be sure to correct my comments. Until then..........pressure for a statement.
This man with the weight of the world on his shoulders and the challenge of "HIS" everyday life.
He has locked himself in to do the right thing at any cost v/s his own wants and desires for "HIS" life.
He has values beyond compare, where others are weak, he is strong.
YES, I whole heartily support the decision to give him back his job and reconsider what an asset he is to your company.
Now There Would Be A Super Bowl Commercial to beat the pants off of Coca Cola $$$
When people are down, aren't you suppose to do the right thing and find ways to show compassion.
No one knows what life has in store....
Think about being in "HIS" shoes tonight when you go to bed, and your deepest thoughts before you go to sleep........pretty scary isn't it ?
I am 60 years old, a retired GM factory worker, in Kokomo, Indiana.
I worked in a 'Clean Room' where you absolutely could have no food, no drinks & wore all the safety garb. My husband while mowing ran over a rabbits nest killing the mother. Without hesitation, I got bottles & formula & took them to work in a coleman lunch cooler. On breaks, outside on the picnic tables, everyone fed a rabbit. I was later called into the general foremen office, and to one of my most memorable events, he was laughing & pleased & wanted to see the bright addition to our department. Laughter was plenty in our department & a new sign was put up No Food, No Drinks, No Silly Wabbits*
IF I've learned anything its that we are put on this earth to be the guardians of God's creations.
To Love and Care for our planet, and everything alive!!!
People In Power should of, would of, could of make a difference....
Please reconsider for God's sake to handle this situation with class...
I am now facebooking this on to my friends - > their friends -> their friends...ETC...etc..etc.etc)))
Sincerely Hoping You Change "HIS" Status to EMPLOYED, Denise Floyd
Clearly the problem of unsterilized cats is common throughout the U.S, and the world. However, your comments illustrate exactly what can happen without an aggressive and humane approach addressing this.
Most people don't want these situations to occur in their backyard or on business property. When these situations do occur, it helps to understand that ignoring the problem will NOT make it go away.
The problem at the 7-up plant existed at the time Mr. Ottoviani began his employment. This indicates that there was a food source for the cats. It has been suggested, most likely quite accurately, that the cats were surviving on rodents because cats are resiliant animals and though they may suffer, they can survive on very little.
The answer to these types of situations is NOT to ignore the cats thinking that the problem will just go away; it WON'T, as indicated by the situation you have described.
Trapping cats and taking them to an animal shelter to be killed is an option, but one that is distasteful to many people and costs the taxpayers money. Other methods are illegal and/or inhumane.
TNR (Trap/Neuter/Release) does appear to be one solution that is humane and effective even though it may not have the approval of all people. That may be simply because many people do not understand fully how it works.
The method of TNR only returns healthy cats, not unhealthy cats, back to where they were AFTER sterilizing and vaccinating them. When the cycle of reproduction ends so does the birth of new litters, which inevitably leads to a reduction of cats. Un-neutered male cats compete for females in heat, and that's where most of the fighting behavior comes from.
If you want the situation to improve, the only way it will improve is if you or someone takes action. ,
After Mr. Ottaviani and several volunteers launched an aggressive TNR program they effectively reduced the number of cats at the bottling facility, removing the unhealthy ones in the process.
It's a shame that company management didn't see this, unless, as some readers had suggested, they had other reasons for wanting to terminate Mr. O's employment.
Ottoviani had been warned several times by his supervisor not to feed the cats. The official termination notice dated Jan. 4, 2012, stated that Ottoviani violated his “last chance agreement not to feed the cats on company time and/or company property.”
While Ottoviani does not deny feeding cats, he denied doing so during company time and on company property.
Just a side note: I hate cats.
http://helplarryottaviani.chipin.com/larry-ottaviani