Beverly Hills Says: Starve the Cats - Or Go to Jail

Beverly Hills to Jail 65-Year-Old for Feeding Stray Cats

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., June 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Wednesday
morning, July 1, 2009 at 8:30 a.m. in Beverly Hills Superior Court, 9355
Burton Way, Division 2, Katherine Varjian, age 65, could be sentenced to jail
for feeding stray cats. Varjian has been doing this for 12 years at her own
expense. Without her, the cats would starve, or be picked up by the shelter,
or be euthanized.

Each morning and each evening, the little group of 20 or so cats come quietly
padding into an alley in the lushly landscaped and star-studded City of
Beverly Hills The cats are so hungry, but not starving thanks to Varjian who
has reduced the stray/feral cat population and found homes for as many as 40
cats and kittens yearly, for the last 12 years.

Neighbors, blaming Varjian for the profound increase in coyotes have signed a
petition to force her to stop feeding the cats. They claim that Varjian,
feeding only a two block area, is responsible for the increase in predatory
coyotes throughout the entire Beverly Hills. The reality is that park like
conditions, access to water, mansion-ization in the hills and canyons and
drought conditions have sent the numbers of coyotes on residential streets sky
rocketing in search of food.

SUPPORTERS CONSTITUTE HUGE BASE
Her supporters, which include local residents, veterinarians and animal
advocates are saying Varjian should be commended for the good she does, rather
then be jailed. They are appalled that a small number of nasty and uninformed
individuals can undermine the humane efforts of reducing the stray cat
population. Her opponents film her activities, block her access to alleys and
claim their children are in danger from coyote attacks as a result of the
65-year-old's dedication to saving homeless cats and kittens.

Her supporters will be out in force to convey their message and feel strongly
that Beverly Hills needs to set an example of the humane and compassionate way
to deal with stray animals. Jailing Varjian, imposing fines or a conviction
or criminal record won't solve the larger issue of homeless animals or the
rampant coyote problem. Tina Varjian, Katherine's daughter and attorney, is
hopeful mediation with stray/homeless cat and animal control, coyote experts
will be the outcome.

The Hearing/Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at Beverly
Hills Superior Court, 9355 Burton Way, Beverly Hills 90210 in Division 2,
Judge Marsha Revel. (310) 288-1360

SOURCE Attorney for Katherine Varjian

Tina Varjian, Attorney for Katherine Varjian (310) 486 8478