Beverly Hills Says: Starve the Cats - Or Go to Jail

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., June 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Wednesday morning, July 1, 2009 at 8:30 a.m. in Beverly Hills Superior Court, 9355 Burton Way, Division 2, Katherine Varjian, age 65, could be sentenced to jail for feeding stray cats. Varjian has been doing this for 12 years at her own expense. Without her, the cats would starve, or be picked up by the shelter, or be euthanized.

Each morning and each evening, the little group of 20 or so cats come quietly padding into an alley in the lushly landscaped and star-studded City of Beverly Hills The cats are so hungry, but not starving thanks to Varjian who has reduced the stray/feral cat population and found homes for as many as 40 cats and kittens yearly, for the last 12 years.

Neighbors, blaming Varjian for the profound increase in coyotes have signed a petition to force her to stop feeding the cats. They claim that Varjian, feeding only a two block area, is responsible for the increase in predatory coyotes throughout the entireBeverly Hills. The reality is that park like conditions, access to water, mansion-ization in the hills and canyons and drought conditions have sent the numbers of coyotes on residential streets sky rocketing in search of food.

SUPPORTERS CONSTITUTE HUGE BASE

Her supporters, which include local residents, veterinarians and animal advocates are saying Varjian should be commended for the good she does, rather then be jailed. They are appalled that a small number of nasty and uninformed individuals can undermine the humane efforts of reducing the stray cat population. Her opponents film her activities, block her access to alleys and claim their children are in danger from coyote attacks as a result of the 65-year-old's dedication to saving homeless cats and kittens.

Her supporters will be out in force to convey their message and feel strongly thatBeverly Hills needs to set an example of the humane and compassionate way to deal with stray animals. Jailing Varjian, imposing fines or a conviction or criminal record won't solve the larger issue of homeless animals or the rampant coyote problem. Tina Varjian, Katherine's daughter and attorney, is hopeful mediation with stray/homeless cat and animal control, coyote experts will be the outcome.

The Hearing/Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at Beverly Hills Superior Court, 9355 Burton Way,Beverly Hills 90210 in Division 2, Judge Marsha Revel. (310) 288-1360

SOURCE Attorney for Katherine Varjian

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