CFA BAP vs. Animal Control/Rescue

August 12, 2025

Ginger Meeker & Charlene Campbell for BAP

Is this a battle you want to see? Well, there won’t be one: Our Breeder Assistance Program (BAP) folks communicate and cooperate whenever possible with breeders to offer solutions. The Cat Fanciers’ Association BAP (also known simply as CFA BAP) is fortunate to have an affiliation with a professional National Rescue Network that offers CFA people rescue and breeder assistance in a totally confidential setting.

In the realm of saving innocent animals from whatever horrid conditions in which they are sometimes found, these BAP rescues and government agencies work together for the good of the animal. Some government agencies ensure privacy and are happy to receive our BAP shelter aid, while others publicize rescues to advance their operations and fundraising.

People hope they never need to use either of these systems. However, should someone find themselves, or a friend (or as a result of the death of a friend) in need, some facts are offered to help a person pick the best solution for the situation. The “need” may be as simple as a local animal control ordinance change now limiting the number of “pets” a person may have in their home.

If BAP receives the first notification of a situation (which can be anonymous), our BAP organization contacts the person having difficulty to see what the need is and how to help. A confidential plan of action is put into place until the situation is resolved. BAP will even proactively contact the governing authority that has given notice, and work towards a resolution before any seizure action is taken. If the BAP rescue network is utilized for downsizing, these cats are seen by a veterinarian and all health issues are addressed (dental, vaccination, stenotic nares, spay, neuter, microchip, etc.) before any of them are rehomed. We utilize home-based 501(c)(3) rescues with waiting foster homes to mimic a home lifestyle which helps the feline adjust better to the changes, with 24/7 care.

If government agencies are involved, full medical care is often not accomplished, and the cats are rehomed sooner rather than later. Legal charges may be filed, and both the cats and their documents might be needed in court. Many times, our pedigreed felines do not do well in an animal control shelter, as different staff is on duty every day, and they may not notice a cat not eating well, or one scared of barking dogs, suffering in cold kennels, etc. The other issue is that if the shelter is overwhelmed and the cats do not fare well in the kennel, they are quickly euthanized.

In circumstances where confidentiality and discretion are paramount, BAP’s approach offers peace of mind for those seeking help. The process prioritizes the well-being of the animals while maintaining the privacy of the individuals involved, often diffusing situations before they escalate into public matters. Alternatively, some scenarios may necessitate direct involvement with municipal or state agencies, especially when there are legal complexities or urgent welfare concerns. In these cases, coordination between BAP and public animal services ensures resources are maximized and that the animals’ best interests remain the central focus.

A BAP spokesperson stated that about 75% of animal control staff asks BAP to leave or does not want our assistance. Many animal control professionals view feline registry associations and breeders as the primary source of their issues.

Once public services are contacted, they mandate the agenda for what happens to the rescued animals. If CFA cats are involved, BAP will contact the public agency and offer help. When calls are returned, the agencies work together by pooling resources to accomplish goals. If the animal control or rescue does not contact BAP, then BAP withdraws and the governmental agency in charge heads the investigation and outcome for the animals. Animal control is not required to return animals. The breeder then needs to hire a criminal defense attorney familiar with local animal control ordinances, zoning, and state statutes to handle the legal issues that occur with a seizure. If the breeder is forced to surrender the cats, always ask your attorney to have the cats surrendered to CFA BAP if possible so we can get them in our rescues with breed knowledge. Give your attorney the contact information for our program found at: https://breedersassist-rescue.cfa.org/.

These facts may help the reader determine a course of action if they know of a situation that needs attention. You have a choice: Contact BAP to allow a private, confidential process to ensue – or call animal control if feline lives are at risk, leaving the fate of all in the hands of local, city, or state officials.

The BAP community (consisting of a national rescue network) has served approximately 472 CFA cats this year.

In addition, we treated 74 cats/kittens with Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), thanks to our fabulous rescue partners. Some of these cats/kittens came from homes with two or three litters of kittens with FIP. Because treatment began quickly, only one did not survive. Please be sure to ask us for the BAP FIP handout we can email to you so you can be prepared should FIP visit your cattery. We are fortunate to work with Nicole Jacque, who is at the forefront of FIP research and works with Niels Peterson, DMV, PhD from UC Davis. She spends her spare time working with our rescue partners to teach them about FIP treatment protocol with the newest treatment drug, GS-411524. Thanks to Nicole’s support, our rescue partners are up-to-date on FIP treatment protocols and are ready to help. Breed Assistance can help with information about these protocols and the best places to purchase medications (prescribed by your veterinarian) at a discount. Please share this information: Nicole Jacque will gladly assist any veterinarian with any questions.

In this past season, we assisted Longhair Selkirk Rex, Ragdolls, British Shorthairs, American Shorthairs, Persians, Tonkinese, Siamese, Ocicats, Bengals, Balinese, Egyptian Maus, Abyssinians, Maine Coon Cats, and Birmans – all CFA pedigreed cats.

Thank you to all of our CFA family for your donations and help … We appreciate you! The felines are especially grateful for your generosity!  https://breedersassist-rescue.cfa.org/