HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.251 2024-2026From: Melissa Thompson a c-)
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 10:30 AM
To: Council Testimony C
Subject: OPPOSING.Bill 51, Feeding of Feral cats 1- -<
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I strongly oppose this Bill. I do not know where you are getting your numbers, but your reasorl-_a-for
supporting this bill are unfounded and not scientifically or mathematically sound or convincing. NEAR
and the bird population are healthy and strong on this island. We have a much bigger problem�vith "
people being attacked by unattended dogs on this island allowed to roam freely. But after FAILED
attempts of controlling dog and cock fighting, you want to focus on cats. I am a healthcare professional
who has adopted feral cats and been a part of trapping, feeding, spading, nuetering and adopting of
these cats. Meanwhile, I treat multiple people in the operating room for unattended dog bites and motor
vehicle accidents from substance abuse. You show me your numbers and I will show you mine!
There is a sub -population in Hawaii attempting to take care of these colonies. With your'help and NOT
your quick fix of arresting/fining these people (for numbers that do not measure up) trying to help cats on
this island, we could get the feral population under control.
Supporters of this Bill are ignorant and simply like to complain instead of being part of the solution. They
do not understand that feeding populations of sterilized cats DISPROVES their ignorant assumptions that
these cats are eating birds and procreating.
Education should be done!
I absolutely refuse to support this Bill and will continue to do what I know is right and.scientifically
proven. I don't just "make comments" off the top of my head. I even see county employees taking care of
the feral cats at certain locations.
Your arguments are simply NOT SUPPORTED! They are arguments to attempt to supportyour side after
the real facts.
Does anyone on the council have an intimate knowledge, or first- hand knowledge of the actual facts that
multiple institutions take in attempting to get feral colonies under control?
If not, this Bill should be dismissed until you are educated on the facts. The decline in Nenes or
indigenous birds is NOT due to feral cats! The spreading of the virus mentioned in the Bill exists in all feral
creatures on this island. I suggest you get the mongoose and rats under control first. Then, it is a means
by which Darwinism comes into play..... "SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST". Cats do die after eating this virus -
laden prey. Do not state they perpetuate the virus! This is a blatant incorrect statement.
We had a feral cat for 17 years who watched the birds walk right in front of her because she was well fed!
Our cat advocats on the island feed the cats, so they do NOT eat the birds. You cannot and should not
fine/arrest people for acting humanely, responsibly or compassionately. These groups have plans in
place that work when supported! Consider supporting them instead of shutting them down!
Disillusioned and Disappointed,
Melissa Thompson MD
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