Finally the SPCA has some comments in the paper regarding the 37 cats. This comment appalls me
Southland SPCA chairwoman Rachel Hucklebridge said Mr King’s choice of wording was poor, but correct. People were able to get rid of cats that were on their property if it was done humanely but the SPCA encouraged them to take the cats to the shelter or a vet to be put down, she said.
How sad that they would express that in the paper. Does that apply to dogs? Not knowing what has happened to a pet can be harrowing but the knowledge that something untoward may have happened can be worse (and preys on your mind for years to come). What may be deemed as humane is still someone murdering your pet:-(
Ms Hucklebridge said she had been in contact with the cat owner, who was “devastated”. She loved her cats, fed them and looked after with them and the organisation had worked with her to ensure all of them were desexed.“It is devastating for her because for whatever reason she is keeping them, she loves them. We will continue to try and help support her through this.”
An inward facing 45 degree angle along the top of the fences with wire between should reduce the number leaving the property. Thirty seven down to three will be too much of a change for her. King has earned my contempt.
Whatever... 
I am not a cat lover and personally think they are pests and 37 in one house cant be healthy for either the cats or the residents. However the thing that always annoys me about these sorts of stories is how much media attention they get when throughout NZ we have children being treated badly. I sometimes wonder at our priorities.
Wouldn’t it be good to have the same out pouring of feelings about these poor children.
We seem oblivious until some shocking event puts in back in front of us.
Aren’t you known as a ‘cat lady’, Kylie?
Have been in the past. Have had many a litter dumped on me. Was up to that many at one time too. Many try to use that as a derogatory name but I don’t see it as one. I, by far, prefer the company of animals to humans.
Extracts from;-
Southland Times 3/07/2013
Report on Public Submission Hearings into I.C.C. keeping of Animals By-Law
Under the bylaw, the council will recommend a maximum of three cats or kittens be kept at any one property, although this will not be enforced unless the cats are deemed a nuisance.
Twenty-six submissions on the draft bylaw were received and five submitters were heard during a regulatory services committee meeting yesterday
Submitter said the penalties for those who breached the bylaw did not give the council enough options.
She suggested the council include provisions for impounding or trapping animals that were repeatedly causing a nuisance.
Councillor Darren Ludlow said the council would seek legal advice about whether it had the jurisdiction to impound animals.
Other submitters suggested using an electric collar system to keep cats off neighbours’ properties, and micro-chipping cats.
I don’t doubt the the comments at the end of today’s article was an attempt to get more people to contact council. It’s my understanding that the bylaw can only be used once a complaint is laid (which is what the article above is saying also). Given my kids can not walk to the shop or go to the park due to dogs wandering I would like to see them effect some change in that area first and foremost.