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Roy resident told to license her stuffed cat
Thursday, July 20, 2000
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
ROY, Wash. -- Lisa Alger told the judge she shouldn't have to pay $285 in fees and penalties for failing to license three cats.
Two of them were strays that wandered onto her rural Pierce County property, she said. The third, she argued, should be exempt because it is white, purple and stuffed.
After examining "Patches," the toy cat belonging to Alger's son, District Court Judge Paul Treyz last month dismissed the citation written against Alger by an officer of the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County.
However, Alger and other Roy residents are upset with how Humane Society officers go door-to-door looking for licensing violations. They plan a meeting next Wednesday at the Roy library to discuss the matter and are to meet with Humane Society officials Aug. 16.
Alger said that in April, an officer knocked on her door and asked her if she had any pets. She said she had one dog, and that a few cats wandered around her property but weren't really hers.
At that point, she said, the officer interrupted, turned to her 7- and 10-year-old sons and asked, "Kids, what are the names of your cats?"
The children gave three names, including "Patches," the name for the toy. Alger, who said she was upset and confused, signed a notice acknowledging she owned the two strays and the toy.
Alger subsequently licensed her pet dog, but balked at licensing any cats, plush or otherwise. That led to the citation, and the court appearance.
Alger complained the Humane Society officer was rude, forceful and trespassed on her property.
By asking for the cats' names, he also resorted to entrapment, she contends.
Pierce County requires all dogs and cats over 8 weeks old to have a $50 license.
Humane Society officers can enter private property to enforce the licensing law, said Denise McVicker, Humane Society systems manager.
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