BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Birmingham has kick started their Safe Street Initiative in the East Lake neighborhood and, although they have reported some improvements, some have concerns with the animal control portion of the initiative.
Julie Russau, a proud cat mother, says she agrees with Birmingham’s Safe Streets Initiative that’s meant to reduce crime in the East Lake neighborhood, but she says she doesn’t agree with the city’s animal control capturing cats as opposed to other harmful animals.
Russau said she believes cats are being unfairly targeted and believes one of the 14 cats she cares for were taken from her property.
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“If they’re dangerous of course [take them], but in my opinion, the history I’ve had with cats, cats are not dangerous,” said Russau. “…You know cats don’t walk around with guns and knives, they’re not going to go and hurt somebody like that.”
Russau shares the same thoughts as other animal rescues and shelters, including the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.