BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Birmingham has kick started their Safe Street Initiative in the East Lake neighborhood and, although they have reported some improvements, some have concerns with the animal control portion of the initiative.
Julie Russau, a proud cat mother, says she agrees with Birmingham's Safe Streets Initiative that's meant to reduce crime in the East Lake neighborhood, but she says she doesn't agree with the city's animal control capturing cats as opposed to other harmful animals.
Russau said she believes cats are being unfairly targeted and believes one of the 14 cats she cares for were taken from her property.
"If they're dangerous of course [take them], but in my opinion, the history I've had with cats, cats are not dangerous," said Russau. "...You know cats don't walk around with guns and knives, they're not going to go and hurt somebody like that."
Russau shares the same thoughts as other animal rescues and shelters, including the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.
"We're just trying to figure out what is going on," said Chief Executive Officer of Greater Birmingham Humane Society Allison Black-Cornelius.
Black-Cornelius with GBHS said they have received calls from residents in Roebuck and Titusville looking for their cats. Many of them concerned they have been or will be taken by the city's animal control following the city's reports that 10 cats, 8 dogs and 1 pig were retrieved from the East Lake Neighborhood.
"It's confusing as to why we would prioritize cats when we had so many people die last year due to dog attacks," said Black-Cornelius.
Black-Cornelius said she's reached out to the city to find a solution as they want to help keep dangerous animals off the street.
In a statement the city of Birmingham stated the following:
"The City of Birmingham Animal Control follows and enforces the City Code Ordinance 6-1-14 (see here), which states that it is unlawful for animals to roam at large unrestrained and, whether restrained or not, allows for the possession of no more than four animals. The City of Birmingham only handles the capture and transport of these animals. Beyond that, the Greater Birmingham Human Society Animal Control manages any next steps."