Shelter Cat Burglar: Felon or Hero?
Sometime last Monday night, Edward Igor McIrvin, 44, broke into the Rockingham County Animal Shelter in North Carolina and stole 37 cats. McIrvin, who was a shelter volunteer, confessed to the burglary and theft, because the cats were all scheduled for euthanasia, and he couldn't stand to see that happen.
McIrvin literally "put his money where his mouth is," by returning the cats, then immediately forking over $5,800 to the Reidsville Veterinary Hospital to pay for adoption fees and spaying/neutering the cats, which included at least one cute kitten.
The man was to be charged with felony breaking and entering and felony larceny, according to FOX8 News. Since he has legally adopted the cats, it looks like a moot point to me. Personally, I think he deserves an award - perhaps a "Feline Robin Hood of the Year?"
The kitten is available for adoption, and it seems likely that the other cats will also be adopted. If not, the burning question is "can Edward McIrvin personally care for 37 cats?"
Comments
I can’t imagine the stress of working in, or volunteering at, a kill shelter. I know the reason I have my vowels is because the woman who ran the place they were in had put out a plea to rescue agencies for help, because all she was doing, all day, was killing animals, and it was killing her. But as long as Vets charge hundreds of dollars for a spay, and over a 100 for a neuter, unless you can manage to qualify for a low cost option, people are going to continue to see it as an “option”, and not a necessity.
I got lucky. My vet only charged $50 for the spay, first shots AND an overnight stay for Cricket when she was 3 months old.
Wow – I’m never in favor of breaking and entering, and I have concerns about whether he can care for all those cats, but I certainly can understand how he must have felt and the motivation.
I personally think that the man has the heart of a saint, and that all agencies/people who sell animals should by law be made to make sure that they are spayed/neutered (unless a registered breeder.)
We were put on this world to be guardians of living creatures, not to treat them as a piece of clothing to disgard whenever we choose. What ever has happened to a person showing some responsibility anymore, and considering God’s creatures when all they want to do is to show us love?
I never knew that the human being could be so cold, callous and yes, evil at times when it comes to careing for animals and the creatures of this earth.
Though, I understand the legality/illegality of the situation, I can not say in all honesty that I would not have done the same thing. I hope they will go easy on him. I realize a law is a law. *sigh*
One thing I don’t understand, and will NEVER understand – why would they insist on adoption fees ($100 per cat, and that was with a reduction in price!!) when the only other option is putting the cats to death (which, in itself costs money).
It was very good of him to pay the adoption fees, to help save the cats and kitten’s lives. Mr. McIrvin, you are a truly compassionate and wonderful human being!
FYI – I called this afternoon, and several of the cats and kittens have been adopted!! 3 kittens, and 5-6 cats are still in need of homes, though. If you are in the local area (or willing to travel), consider opening your heart and home to one of these special babies. Or, if you are willing to “foster” (keep one in your home and provide care, until a permanent home can be found) one or more (if necassary), call and give them your phone number. Tell them to call you if they are unable to place one in a home in time.
I also doubt if Edward Igor McIrvin is able to feed and take care of those 37 cats.
I admire his courage. Should have gone another route though!