Dead Cats or Jail Time?
30 June 2009
by Anai Rhoads
AnaiRhoads.org -- A Beverly Hills, California resident may face jail time this week – for feeding stray cats.
Katherine Varjian is expected to appear at the Beverly Hills Superior Court Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. She faces jail time for feeding stray cats in the star-studded City of Beverly Hills.
Sixty-five year-old Varjiian has been supplying the 20 or more felines with food every morning and evening for the last 12 years at her own expense. Over the years, she has helped reduce the stray/feral population and has even found homes for over 40 kittens and adults cats.
Some neighbours are up in arms, stating that her actions have brought in a larger-than-normal population of coyotes to the area. Others blame park-like conditions, lack of access to water, and drought conditions for the coyotes venturing further into Beverly Hills.
Residents in the two-block area signed petitions against Varjiian, even going as far as filming her as she feeds the strays. Her neighbours attempt to block her access to the alleys often and even claim their children are in danger from coyote attacks.
"Her supporters will be out in force to convey their message and feel strongly that Beverly Hills needs to set an example of the humane and compassionate way to deal with stray animals," said Tina Varjian, Katherine's daughter and attorney. "Jailing Varjian, imposing fines or a conviction or criminal record won't solve the larger issue of homeless animals or the rampant coyote problem."
By jailing Varjian, the court will effectively be sending out a message to animal welfare advocates – either starve the strays and let the feral population double, or go to jail for assisting them.
Supporters will be present during the hearing and sentencing scheduled for Wednesday, 01 July 2009 at Beverly Hills Superior Court located at 9355 Burton Way, Beverly Hills 90210. The case will be heard by Judge Marsha Revel in Division 2.
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