Should there be a cat leash law?

There's a critter known as the Maine coon-cat. The popular theory is that it's a cross between a cat and a racoon. However, as this is a biological impossibility, I suspect it's just a semi-feral feline that happens to resemble a racoon in its markings -- black mask, bushy ringed tail etc.

"As part of an ambitious effort to identify genes that cause disease in dogs and humans, scientists at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle analyzed DNA collected from 414 dogs representing 85 breeds, including some of the most popular. The findings have sent reverberations though the ranks of dog fanciers, who primp and preen their beloved companions for shows and take great pride in their pedigrees.

"It was a surprise to find that some breeds such as the Ibizan hound and the Pharaoh hound, along with several others that dog aficionados have long believed dated back thousands of years, are actually much more modern animals - re-creations that were probably produced by breeders," said geneticist Leonid Kruglyak, who helped conduct the research. "However, it was more of a surprise to find that some breeds are not even dogs."

"Among other findings, the analysis determined that the Chihuahua is actually a type of large rodent, selectively bred for centuries to resemble a canine.

"This is clearly going to raise some eyebrows in the Chihuahua world," said Peggy Wilson, president of the Chihuahua Club of America. "It goes against our belief system. People are pretty passionate about their dogs. There is going to be disbelief."

Using 96 distinct patterns in the genes called "microsatellites," the researchers compared dogs within breeds, and breeds with one another. In the May 21 issue of the journal Science, the team concluded that almost every breed was surprisingly distinct genetically. They were able to identify each dog's breed by its genes with 99 percent accuracy. They also found that breeds could be clearly grouped into four distinct clusters based on striking genetic similarities: ancient dogs, hunters, herders, and guard dogs.

"Once we had these groups pretty well mapped out, the canine mimics were easy to pick out," added Kruglyak. "And actually, it was kind of intuitive in hindsight."

The study found that several diminutive breeds had been independently created around the world from a variety of other animals.

Well, I'll be a poodle's uncle. That's truly weird. You got a link for that, Rog?

Well, isn't that inconsistent? I mean, if the law that is designed specifically to deal with cats is never enforced, how often do you think a general law regarding nuisances would be enforced against cat owners? Surely, if the town doesn't enforce the former, I can't see it vigorously enforcing the latter. Consequently, you can't seriously take the position that the law aimed specifically at stray cats is unnecessary because there's this other law aimed at nuisances if that law isn't enforced either.

Lustig Andrei wrote:

Well, I'll be a poodle's uncle. That's truly weird. You got a link for that, Rog?

It's a JOKE!

Much as I wish to deny it, chihuahuas and such are all dog.

If you think otherwise, great! If you think that it means I am being inconsistent, great! Whatever makes you happy makes me happy.

dlowan wrote:

Lustig Andrei wrote:

Well, I'll be a poodle's uncle. That's truly weird. You got a link for that, Rog?

It's a JOKE!

Much as I wish to deny it, chihuahuas and such are all dog.

He did not ask if it was a joke. He asked if I had a link. I did. So there!

Your inconsistency doesn't make me happy.

You've obviously given this issue some thought, but not enough to articulate a consistent position.

Why would that make me happy?

I have articulated a consistent position...even though you are insisting I am being inconsistent. Newsweek Magazine apparently agrees...and gave me a full page in their magazine to have my say (and paid me $1000 to boot.)

Rat attack!

I love you, Joe.