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CONCERN over reports that stray cats in Caroni were to be poisoned prompted animal welfare advocates and concerned citizens to gather at the Caroni Bird Sanctuary yesterday, where urgent calls were made for humane and sustainable solutions to address the issue.

Those in attendance warned that poisoning, which had been used in the past, was not only cruel but ultimately ineffective in controlling stray populations. The activists spent their time feeding and rescuing some of the stray cats.

Leading the call of the group of about 12 was Clifford Tardieu of the Tardieu Kitten and Puppy Sanctuary in Valencia, who urged authorities and members of the public to abandon the practice and instead pursue long-term strategies.