Continue Supplying the Felines with Food
In a move aimed at protecting native endangered species, Hawai‘i County Council member Mathew Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder has introduced Bill 51, which would make it illegal to feed feral animals, including feral cats, on county-owned or managed property. Violators could face fines starting at $50 for the first offense and $500 for subsequent ones.
The bill, which passed recently, has sparked controversy and concerns over the welfare of feral cats. Some view the law as a simple act of cruelty, believing that feeding a starving animal is an act of kindness. Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder's decision to introduce the bill followed an incident involving his own cat, Fluffy, who died two weeks after scratching his nose.
The new law is part of a quick-fix solution that some critics argue ignores the pressing problem of starving cats. They argue that the county's approach could lead to more cats being thrown into the wild, where they would struggle to survive.
The issue of starving cats is a bigger problem than a few small problems. According to Dennis Gregory, who writes a bi-monthly column for West Hawaii Today, the problem occurs on county land, suggesting a need for a county program to feed the cats. A public feeding area could be a potential solution to this problem.
In response to public concern, Bill 51 was amended to require the county to implement a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and management program. This program would involve collaboration with organizations like Aloha Animal Alliance and the Hawai‘i County Animal Control and Protection Agency to train people designated as cat caretakers, allowing for humane population control of feral cats while minimizing harm.
However, the amendment also includes a provision requiring caregivers to register officially, which has raised opposition from animal welfare groups like Alley Cat Allies. They argue that mandatory registration discourages community participation in lifesaving TNR work and could lead to fines or prosecution if caregivers fail to register but continue caring for cats.
The county could face fines for ignoring the problem of starving cats. Some believe that the introduction of the Cat Police, tasked with enforcing the new law against feeding felines on county property, may exacerbate the issue rather than solve it.
In summary, Bill 51 does not intend to starve feral cats but to prohibit feeding on county property to help protect native wildlife and manage feral populations humanely through a regulated TNR program. The law's impact on starving cats depends on the effectiveness and implementation of this management program, and some concerns remain over registration requirements for caregivers.
We invite comments on this issue at [email protected].
[1] Hawaii Tribune-Herald [2] West Hawaii Today [3] Alley Cat Allies [4] Hawaii Wildlife Fund
- The controversy surrounding Bill 51, aimed at preventing feeding feral animals on county-owned property, has led some to question whether the county's lifestyle regulations, such as this law, potentially affect not only home-and-garden matters but also the welfare of pets like feral cats.
- Despite the introduction of a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and management program to address the issue of starving feral cats, concerns persist over the implementation and potential impact of the new law on these animals, particularly with regard to the registration requirements for caregivers, which might discourage community participation and increase penalties.
