COM 0022.102 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Corrected Copy :Please replace copy previously sent. Thank you. From: Frances Pueo 2/11/06 To: County Council Testimony Subject: Animal Control Bill, Draft 6, And Animal Control/Against License Cats. The proposal for cats to be licensed is ludicrous. It seems the anti-cat extremist did so without fore thought of all the negative ramifications in doing so. First - It puts cats in jeopardy as the collar and license (Dangling-tags) will cause the animal to become entangled in the multi-various types of terrain on the Big Island, (i.e. small brushes, guava trees, fencing, lava holes, etc.,) It just doesn't make sense to put cats in harms way, as an adult feline stands approximately on average 7-9 inches from the ground, entanglement is inevitable, and so is death. Cat license may be more applicable in large cities, where there are fewer things to snare it. Previous testimony from hunters, established that they take off their dogs collars prior to setting their dogs loose because the collars and license causes their dogs to become equally "entangled", or "hung-up" in the terrain. Therefore, to mandate a cat license would be cruel. 2"`~ - Presently, a microchip would serve better for identification and redemption. 3rd - In studies, by the San Francisco SPCA - 1995, is against mandatory cat licensing. Disclaiming myths of license mandates are: 1. It does not make cat owners more responsible. 2. It will not help raise the status of cats. 3. It will not result in more cats being redeemed at shelters. 4. It will not reduce shelter euthanasia's. 5. It will not pay for itself. 6. It will not raise money to help fund animal agencies. More so, it will increase additional cost, which will have to be paid for by taxpayers, or cuts in other services. Myth: Cats are destroying our bird population. An overly hyped statement! "Through various studies, bird decline resulted from loss of their nesting habitat and food source. As destruction of their native forest, converted to agricultural, residential, or industrial lands, including global climatic changes, and uniquely from volcanic activity of fire and lava. The Coqui frog, (as yet it is still undetermined if it is competing for the same avian food source.) The decline of Palila & Hawaiian Crow was birds of prey of the Owl. The Owl(s) and Hawks(s) population decline can be contributed notjust to habitat loss, but also to consumption of poisoned rats. (From macadamia growers, farmers, & ranchers setting out poisons.) The mongoose is also destructive to the bird population. Furthering the decline of the bird population is the humongous overpopulation of rats, an incredible destructive creature. It readily shimmies up and down trees eating bird eggs and killing fledglings. That's your culprit!!! (The most effective means of controlling the rat-offspring's is the cat without dangling license tags.) 1 of 2