Key Takeaways:
- A new law in Hawaii County bans feeding feral animals on county property to protect native species, such as the endangered nene goose.
- The ban has sparked controversy among cat lovers, who argue that it will harm the feral cat population and push feeding efforts underground.
- Feral cats are a significant threat to native species in Hawaii, with estimates suggesting tens of thousands of cats live on the Big Island alone.
- The ban aims to prevent the spread of disease and protect native animals from predation by feral cats.
- Opponents of the ban argue that it will not effectively address the issue of feral cats and may harm the animals.
Introduction to the Issue
The Big Island of Hawaii is home to a large population of feral cats, which have been a concern for conservationists and animal lovers alike. A new law set to take effect in Hawaii County aims to address the issue by banning the feeding of feral animals on county property. The law is intended to protect native species, such as the endangered nene goose, from the threat of feral cats. However, the ban has sparked controversy among cat lovers, who argue that it will harm the feral cat population and push feeding efforts underground.
The Impact of Feral Cats on Native Species
Feral cats are a significant threat to native species in Hawaii, with estimates suggesting tens of thousands of cats live on the Big Island alone. The cats threaten native species directly by killing them, and indirectly by attracting native animals to areas where they can be harmed by humans. For example, food left out for feral cats can attract native birds, bringing them into closer contact with humans and increasing the risk of predation. Additionally, feral cat feces can spread a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, a disease that has killed endangered Hawaiian monk seals and native birds.
The Ban and Its Opponents
The county’s feeding ban will help protect native species, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. However, opponents of the ban argue that it will not effectively address the issue of feral cats and may harm the animals. Liz Swan, a cat lover who has been feeding feral felines on the Big Island for 33 years, believes that the ban will force cats to hunt for food, leading to more harm to native species. Swan and other opponents of the ban argue that trapping, neutering, and releasing feral cats is a more effective way to manage the population.
Cultural and Conservation Perspectives
The debate over the ban has highlighted the complex cultural and conservation issues surrounding feral cats in Hawaii. For many Native Hawaiians, the protection of native species is closely tied to the preservation of Hawaiian culture and traditions. Makaala Kaaumoana, a cultural practitioner on the island of Kauai, believes that feral cats must be removed in order to protect native species. However, others argue that the value of native species should not take precedence over the value of domestic animals, such as feral cats. Debbie Cravatta, who feeds cats in her West Hawaii neighborhood, questioned why native species should be prioritized over domestic animals that have been abandoned and are in need of care.
Enforcement and Next Steps
The ban will be enforced by the county, with fines of up to $50 for a first offense and up to $500 for subsequent offenses. However, Mayor Kimo Alameda has expressed hope that police will consider enforcement a low priority, given the controversy surrounding the issue. As the ban takes effect, it remains to be seen how effective it will be in protecting native species and addressing the issue of feral cats in Hawaii. Opponents of the ban have vowed to continue feeding feral cats, despite the risk of fines, and it is likely that the debate will continue in the coming months and years.
