How bureaucracy can trump common sense

A Canadian Tire store in Calgary next to an open field and close to a landfill site has had a mouse problem. Various "approved" methods to get rid of the rodents failed, so the store owner brought in a few farm cats. Problem solved. Unfortunately, a customer didn't like cats wandering around the store and reported it to Alberta Health Services. The owner was told he wasn't allowed to have the cats in the store because they're not a recognized form of pest control.

Within three weeks, 3,000 customers signed a petition demanding the cats be allowed. AHS offered a compromise - the cats can roam the store at night.

At right is a random cat with Canadian Tire money. No word on whether the cats get paid in said currency.