The Evil of the Outdoor Cat

[Drahthaardogs]

49. The pesticides you cite - is namely DDT

and yes, it is persistent, and yes, it is ubiquitous. Contrary to your statement, its effects are VERY well documented, particularly on raptors. It has banned for many years in the United States. It was also bio-magnified and hit raptors harder than others because of it.

Other cholrinated pesticides (Chlordane, Heptachlor) were outlawed years ago as well. Many of the pesticides today (used in America) are pyrethrin based. Most warm blooded creates metabolize them quite well (they are a derivative of the chrysanthemum). I am a toxicologist and I worked with some of these chemicals for years. It is one of the reasons I do not eat organic food. I fear the "fertilizer" practices associated with large-scale organic farming much more than I fear the pesticides I am exposed to.

I always find cat people strange. If a pack of dogs were out ravaging the local deer herd, would you feel the same way? After all, that is in THEIR nature too and the same arguments can be made. Yet, strangely, you never hear anyone saying dogs should be turned loose to terrorize the local wildlife.