They Taste a Little Bit Like Chicken

Alex just sent me this:

Wisconsin Residents Seek Legalized Cat Hunting

Doyle says cat hunting won't happen

April 13, 2005 — Wisconsin residents support a controversial plan that would allow hunters to take out wild felines that kill birds and other small mammals. Governor Doyle says Wisconsin shouldn't become known as a state that shoots cats

Residents voted 6,830 to 5,201 for the plan last night at the spring meeting of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress.

The Department of Natural Resources says the plan passed in 51 counties, failed in 20, and tied in one. Statewide a majority of votes were in favor.

The question asked residents in all 72 counties whether the state should classify free-roaming cats as an unprotected species. That would allow hunters to kill them at will.

"Don't shoot 'til you see the nameplate on the collar."

Addendum: It occurs to me that this story provides an excellent opportunity to reiterate the standard economic analysis of law questions, and ask them of concerned cat owners who worry that their cats might be shot:

1. What is the risk?
2. Who is the least-cost bearer of the risk?

Update: Alex disagrees with the title - says they taste more like rabbit.