A huge collaboration for the cat who is banned from his owner’s shop: signatures are being collected to get him back

As a sign of respect, Mickey even wears a tuxedo on weekdays, but even that wasn't enough to win the Vancouver Coastal Health simpathy. They justified their action by saying that they had received a report, so they are forced to enforce the rules.

This not only broke the hearts of Mickey and his owner, Matthew Macdonald, but also the customers. In order to gain rights for the 6-year-old mascot and good neighbor, a petition was made. If you are interested, you can sign it here.

A slice of history brought to life before our eyes

We know exactly what it feels like, because a black tomcat takes care of order in our corner store as well. Mickey started working at the grocery store in March 2020. His owner, who is also the owner of the store, explained that in addition to the fact that Mickey holds the community together he has a friendly wink to everyone. Plus he also played a key role in pest control too.

So what is this if not history brought to life? This is exactly how the cats came close to us during domestication. They realized that they could find food near people, who didn’t mind at all that rodents wouldn’t havoc their food holdings. In the end, the collaboration was so successful that cats wanted to stay, which made us happy. We fell in love with each other.

We know, we have already picked up – although it is hard to believe – that there are people who do not like cats. Mickey’s work also fell victim to such an unknown; he was reported to the Vancouver Coastal Health.

“The operation of food premises in B.C. is a regulated activity under the Public Health Act. An operator must not permit live animals to be on the premises,” – said the VCH spokesperson via emailed statement.

There is hope!

The owner was shocked by the news: “It just doesn’t make sense to anyone. Except for maybe the person who complained.”

The petition can be completed on change.org. It is one of the most popular with more than 13,000 completed petitions. One supporter, Emily B., commented: “I’m signing because Mickey is my neighbour – and neighbours don’t let other neighbours get evicted. He serves a critical role in the shop as pest control. But more importantly, he is a beloved companion who brings life to our community and business to the wonderful Top 10. Save Mickey!

Animal lawyer and law professor Victoria Shroff says there is hope for Mickey: “I would hope that there could possibly be a constructive dialogue between the business owner and the province and to see if there may be some way of having an exemption made.” In principle, if it could be proven that Mickey did not pose a health risk to the public, an argument could be made for him to remain in the store.

Everyone is trying to do their best in this matter, but the owner wisely admitted that there is a limit to things, he will not risk his business license. In the meantime, Mickey will have a great time at his home two blocks away, where he can enjoy some alone time.