HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.084 2024-2026From: Christin Greenland
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 7:39 PM N �.
To: Council Testimony L- �d
Subject: I oppose Bill 51
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I strongly oppose Bill 51 _
Most cats on County property are abandoned pets, they're not wild or feral. The main reason for abandonant ire
lack of adequate animal control services. While the county is making efforts, an open intake shelter is needed for people
who can no longer care for their cats. Without such services, it's unrealistic to expect people not to feed abandoned cats.
There is currently no enforcement of anti -abandonment laws and bill 51 is in conflict with our animal cruelty laws.
I believe a cat starvation bill will never gain support from the majority of your constituents. The cat community is vocal,
and we advocate for these animals. Many abandoned cats could be rehomed, and even some of the unsocialized ones
can be cared for by local sanctuaries, but the nonprofits need funding, for their own efforts and support for Trap, Neuter,
Return programs. Nonprofits can't continue to shoulder this burden alone. For years, we've been addressing the cat
overpopulation problem. Doing the work that the county should have been doing for decades, and every cat we fix
prevents thousands more from being born.
TNR works, it just takes time and dedication. If TNR had been started and supported by the county decades ago, we
wouldn't be in this situation. We need a multifaceted approach that includes county support for TNRM programs,
funding for spay/neuter services, and financial support for sanctuaries.
I. oppose Bill 51. There are groups currently working together with DLNR and the Parks Department to address cat
overpopulation through TNRM. Please support TNRM and consider assisting nonprofits already working to address this
issue. At the very least, please amend the bill so county approved caretakers under recognized programs are not in
violation of the law.
Thank you,
Christin Greenland
President - Jungle Cat Ladies Sanctuary
11-3923 11th St
Volcano, HI 96785
Comm. �.
Ref. To: Ref. gate -_ .� - 2025