HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.161 2024-2026From: Beth Mende
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 5.42 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Bill 51
Aloha,
I am writing to voice my opposition to Bill 51 regarding the feeding of stray and feral animals on County grounds. It is by
no fault of their own that these animals are here. Some of these animals are former pets that have been dumped or
abandoned, including ones who have been trapped and dumped without their owner's knowledge.
Although the bill does not specifically name cats as being the target of this bill, the cat population will be greatly affected
by it. To criminalize the people who care for these animals and effectively allow these animals to starve is exceptionally
cruel, especially considering that there are active TNRM (trap -neuter -return -maintain) programs that have been
successfully implemented to humanely control feral/stray cat populations. There are also several animal rescue and care
organizations that I'm sure would be happy to work with the Council on a solution that would work for all.
I humbly ask that you vote against Bill 51 and work towards a more humane solution which exemplifies the aloha spirit of
our animal loving island.
Mahalo,
Beth Mende Sawinski
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Ref. Tv: -f-
Ref. Dave "JUL v 8 2025