We alerted you yesterday of the inhumane response of WRLH Fox Richmond to the presence of a feral cat colony on their property at 1925 Westmoreland Street. Many of you have quickly responded to our request to contact the station, and we are grateful for your efforts to encourage a compassionate solution. The Richmond SPCA is unwavering in our position that the proven method of Trap, Neuter, Return is in the best interest of the feral cats remaining on and around the property.

We wish to correct misleading statements that have been made to members of the public who have expressed their concern about this important issue. WRLH Fox General Manager Steve Genett has issued a misleading generic form response to concerned citizens who have expressed their outrage with him, WRLH, and Sinclair Broadcast Group over their reckless and inhumane treatment and killing of the feral cats on and around their station. We have also heard from several Richmond SPCA supporters that the person answering the phone in the office of Sinclair Broadcast Group President and CEO David Smith is calling our account of the actions shown on local news and seen by dozens of eyewitnesses untrue. This duplicity is quite troubling.

Fox Richmond is misleading the public by stating that they are working with humane organizations on a non-lethal, humane solution. They have not been in contact about working on a non-lethal solution with the Richmond SPCA, and other humane organizations have confirmed to me that WRLH has not been in contract with them either. Furthermore, WRLH’s plea to have individual members of the public trap and relocate or re-home the feral cats at the station is irresponsible and poses a serious threat to the well being and safety of the cats involved. 

It is vitally important that all who are concerned with the survival of the colony understand that WRLH’s suggestion that individuals trap and relocate or care for the cats themselves is an unacceptable proposition and one that will seriously jeopardize the cats’ safety. 

The Richmond SPCA stands willing and able to work with WRLH Fox on a valid humane and non-lethal program that is in the best interests of the cats and their safety. I will be happy to discuss with WRLH what can be done to achieve those ends but I have not been contacted by them to accept that help as of this time.

For more information about Trap, Neuter, Return please tune in to NBC 12 tonight from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. when members of our Smoky’s Spay/Neuter Clinic staff will answer questions on the Call 12 line. If you have specific questions about caring for feral cats and Trap, Neuter, Return, please call 804-345-1212 or 1-800-733-2812. You may also learn more by visiting our Smoky’s Spay/Neuter Clinic website.

I appreciate your continued interest in this lifesaving subject and all the efforts of our supporters to spread awareness of the value of the lives of feral cats.

Sincerely,

Robin Robertson Starr
Chief Executive Officer
Richmond SPCA

Why would someone be prosecuted for trying to exterminate a colony of wild animals that had taken up residence on their property. Animals that become infected with rabies, bite and scratch anyone coming in contact with them and overall constitute a nuisance? These are not companion animals at all, they are wild - that is what feral means. If the ASPCA wanted them they had 30 years to clear out the colony. It seems that they are only interested in perpetuating it. It is not a “habitat” it is someone’s private property. If it were a colony of rats the owner would have been forced by the city to exterminate it not neuter and return. What is the difference here/
Why would this be a crime and Richmond Animal Control torturing a Raccoon caught in a fishing net overnight not be?

I was appalled and disgusted to learn that WRLH, the local Fox affiliate located at 1925 Westmoreland Street in Richmond, planned to exterminate innocent animals, instead of making use of the services of the local SPCA and other such agencies.  And now WRLH spokespeople are claiming that they are working with local humane society groups, when they’re not!  What kind of business would take such actions?  Certainly not one that I want to have anything to do with.  Rest assured, my television will never be tuned to WRLH or any other Fox affiliate.

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