I called the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri requesting to adopt some kittens. The fee for adoption is $65 with a $30 refund after the animal is spayed/neutered and implanted with a chip. The average cost of altering/microchipping cats is between $35 and $80 in my experience. The final cost for each kitten would be between $70 and $145. I believe there also is a deadline for having the pets altered.

I wanted to know if they could tell me if the kittens had been indoor or outdoor cats, because I was looking for barn cats and did not want a cat who was used to being indoors. I was prepared to adopt three kittens even at this cost to me.

The policy of the Humane Society is not to allow adoption of dogs or cats to people who will be keeping the animals outside unless there is fencing and/or a confined area. The policy is to euthanize these animals if they are not adopted.

The response to my request -- very nicely and politely stated -- was to look in the newspaper.

The Safe Harbor shelter had no kittens, only adult cats. Somebody dumped an adorable kitten at my house, and she needs some playmates. I guess I will use the newspaper. The kittens will be free.

Does anyone know the rationale of the Humane Society's policy?

FRAN KIRKPATRICK ANDERSSEN, Leopold, Mo.