HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.199 2024-2026From: ,
departlow
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Sent:
Monday, July 7, 2025 10:05 AM
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To:
Council Testimony:c
Subject:
Bill51
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Dear Council Members, N 3'
I am writing to strongly urge you to vote No on Bill 51, which would criminalize the humane act of feeding a&ndogi�,-
cats.
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The county is aware of the program developed by Aloha Animal Alliance to train and register feeders, so that they know
how, where and what to feed the community cats that have been dumped at transfer stations, water stations and parks.
But they have not been given enough time to even start to see results from their efforts. The classes these feeders take
will teach them how to avoid letting nene, pigs, or mongoose eat the food.
Feeding the cats at a regular time and place allows the caretakers to trap the cats that need to be spayed or neutered or
doctored. These volunteers come to know the individual cats, recognize when new cats are dumped by irresponsible
people, and will check them for microchips. They will pick up tiny kittens and find fosters for them, so the kittens can
eventually be adopted into loving homes.
Why would you want to put an end to the efforts of these selfless folks? When the cats are starving, what do you think
they will do? They will be catching every'bird they can, including nene chicks! They will be invading hotels, businesses
and homes looking for food. Are you going to arrest and fine tourists who feed the frantic animals? They will not be
happy to learn that Hawaii island promotes starvation for abandoned cats and yet does nothing to stop the
abandonment.
Please vote no on this bill that promotes cruelty. Allow registered feeders to continue their good work, which will
eventually reduce the numbers of community cats. Enforce animal abandonment laws. Fund spay/neuter clinics —high
volume clinics that can fix 150 animals in a day. Support the non -profits that are doing this work for free! These are the
humane solutions to the cat population problem.
Please vote No!
Elaine Partlow
16-2167 Koloa Maoli
Pahoa HI 96778
Peace and health to all beings! W
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