ArcaMax

"They did it exactly right," says Ricci. "They paid for people who understand TNR. The cats were trapped, spay/neutered and returned, and feeding stations were created and gradually moved away from where guests would see them."

Loews chose another route, hiring a company to trap the cats and remove them to Orange County Animal Services. By law, Animal Services must accept the cats. And though feral cats aren't adoptable, Animal Services thought it was "unfair" to euthanize them.

CARE Feline TNR, has come to the rescue to find foster homes for the cats (often people's garages -- not ideal, but what else could they do?) until somehow a permanent safe place can be found -- perhaps farmland -- to house (ideally) all members of the colonies.

Presumably to expedite the process of trapping the cats, Loews has told employees at all its Universal hotels (Royal Pacific, Hard Rock and Portofino Bay) not to feed the animals, maintaining the decision is intended to "reduce the chance of injury to our guests, team members and tenants." By all accounts, the edict suggests, feed the cats and you may be fired!

Robinson says cats who've grown accustomed to being fed may not find enough food elsewhere. Though Hodges says there's no concerted effort to starve the feral cats to death, that might be the ultimate outcome. Meanwhile, over 20,000 cat lovers have signed an Alley Cat Allies online petition protesting Loews' handling of the matter. There may even be a demonstration.

As for the feral cats, about half have been trapped and removed.

Ricci departed Loews as a full-time employee (to pursue another career) just before the feeding stations were removed and traps put out. He says he received a text message threatening his arrest if he set foot on hotel property again.

"Instead of being humane in their approach, it's as if their new regional director feels he's waged war against these innocent cats," says Ricci. "Clearly, anyone on the cats' side is the enemy. There's something that just isn't normal about that."

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Steve Dale's NEW EBOOKS, "Good Dog!" and "Good Cat!", are available on all major eReader devices and platforms. The basic version of each book is $2.99. An enhanced version of "Good Dog!" with embedded videos is available at iTunes for $4.99. For details, check the "Good Dog!"Facebook page. Write to Steve at Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY 14207. Send e-mail to PETWORLD(at)STEVE DALE.TV. Include your name, city and state. Steve's website is www.stevedalepetworld.com

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