In disclosing this problem, I hope that none of you assumed I would ever consider harming any of my neighbor's pet's. Nor do I advocate breaking any fire arms ordinances in and around my neighborhood. As of yet, I have not intentionally harmed one animal. In fact, I don't think I have the disposition to shoot a cat of any kind as I am a lifelong pet owner. I lived my formative years in a rural setting where I could shoot my bb gun and/or shot gun any time I wanted. Only once have I ever put a cat down(it was already very sick and on death's doorstep), and even though it was a clean kill with a shotgun, I can still see it in my head despite the fact that it took place a good 50 years ago. I've witnessed the the death and butchering of every kind of farm animal. I regrettably killed way too many birds and lizards as a child. I know exactly what a fresh kill looks like and even though I can understand that it is not feeling agony, it's death jerks are a kick to my heart. It would have to be a very extreme case in order for me to resort to using any weapon on a domestic animal. That being said, I was very close to having to euthanize a cat that frequented my property. He was obviously very wild and could not be approached- he was emaciated, his eyes and mouth were crusted over with filth, his fur was dirty and ungroomed, and he appeared to be in constant pain. It hurt just to look at him. Fortunately I was able to get him into a trap and to a vet's surgery. It turns out that that old tomcat was in the final stages of feline HIV. So they were able to kindly and painlessly send that animal to the other side for a nominal fee. This situation is what prompted my O.P.
