To the editor:

I live in an area of the city with a large feral cat population. While walking my dogs recently, I discovered a dead feral cat in the middle of the street. Because potential diseases could be transmitted to my dogs if I were to move it myself, I contacted Animal Control. I was directed to bag up the animal and put it out in the trash.

This policy shocked me, and I contacted the Lawrence Humane Society, which said this was not to be the case. When I called Animal Control back, I was told the humane society had no say.

I am very concerned because, first, I am unsure how to handle a probably-diseased corpse to avoid spreading said disease to me or my family. Second, if I had placed the animal in the trash, it would have continued to rot for almost a week until my next scheduled trash pickup. Additionally, curious pets in the area could encounter it during the week and contract a disease themselves, thus potentially spreading it to their families.

After many phone calls, a sanitation worker was dispatched to pick up the cat since it was in the street. However, I was informed that if the cat had been in my yard instead, I would have had to handle it, raising again my initial concerns.

I urge the city to reconsider this policy as I find it of great health concern.

Heather Moore,

Lawrence