PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – An international cat fancier organization is threatening to move its annual convention from Providence following a dispute with police over feline health certificates at a recent pet convention.

 

Vickie Fisher, president of The International Cat Association, says some owners exhibiting cats at the Rhode Island Convention Center on Saturday were so upset they left the event after state environmental police asked to see their animals' health and rabies certificates.

 

State veterinarian Scott Marshall says officers were checking to ensure pet owners were complying with laws. Marshall says even though many cats lacked the proper paperwork, no citations were issued. He says some cat owners were "uncooperative" and "immediately threatened to lawyer up."

 

Fisher says her group is now reconsidering plans to hold its annual convention in Providence next year.

 

A message was left with Fisher seeking additional comment.