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Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0283.349 2024-2026From: joyfulpath (null) o n Sent: Monday, July 21, 2025 4:07 PM c To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill51 R Aloha! =r *_=D I'd like to explore the merits of Trap, Neuter, Release, and Maintain (TNRM) programs, contrast them with th�nmc al practice of killing community cats, and examine how bias against these animals can skew 'perceptions and laws surrounding their welfare. Community cats are domestic cats living in maintained colonies. These differ from feral cats. Cats hold different statuses across various cultures. In places like Greece and Turkey, they are cherished and cared for, often seen as protectors of homes and communities. These cultures recognize the benefits cats provide —like pest control —while treating them with kindness. In stark contrast, some people in Hawaii view cats as vermin, leading to harmful practices. This bias creates a harmful framework around how animals are treated, often resulting in cruel and unjust laws that reflect a lack of empathy. The perception of community cats as pests contributes to the mistreatment and killing of these animals, perpetuating cycles of suffering. Cultural or personal biases should never dictate how we treat animals or influence the laws we create. For example, Council member Galimba stated she doesn't like cats. Her particular bias should not influence her judgment of right and wrong. Decisions made out of fear or misunderstanding can lead to detrimental consequences. In Hawaii, negative perceptions of community cats have created an environment where cruel measures are taken against them. Instead of seeing these cats as part of the ecosystem, they are viewed as a nuisance. This bias not only leads to the unjust killing of cats but also fosters a culture of animal cruelty. As society witnesses cruelty being tolerated or even encouraged, it risks normalizing violent behavior, leading to broader societal implications. For example, I counted five tiny kittens in the space of a quarter mile on my way to Hilo recently thrown out on the highway and smashed on the road in an obvious joyride killing spree. Is this cruelty something we want to encourage and where does it lead? TNRM programs aim to address the community cat issue humanely through four key steps, trap, neuter, release and manage. The merits of TNRM programsare: 1. "Population Control": TNRM has been shown to effectively reduce community cat populations overtime. 2. "Health Benefits": Neutered cats tend to live healthier lives, reducing disease spread. 3. "Community Engagement": Involves volunteers and fosters responsibility within the community. 4. "Reduction of Euthanasia": Offers a humane alternative. S. "Ecological Balance": Maintains natural pest control, benefiting local ecosystems. And now I want to talk about the immorality of Killing Cats, by any means. 1. We as humans have an Ethical Responsibility. We must protect vulnerable creatures and acknowledge their capacity to suffer. 1 2. Killing other beings creates fear, trauma, and unnecessary pain for both cats and communits?ti• fief. Dcgid L 3 2025 3. A ban like Bill 51 historically shows killing does not solve overpopulation. 4. How we treat animals shapes our values; compassion leads to a kinder society. And compassion is what gives our Lives meaning. 5. ,Bill 51 is creating incredible community division. The proposal to harm our community cats is breeding enormous conflict among Big Island residents, while humane solutions will promote unity. And now 'I want to talk about violence. When communities allow animal cruelty to persist unchecked —whether through neglect, abandonment, or outright killing —it -teaches detrimental lessons. Children and adults alike may come to see violence against animals as acceptable, leading to a society where violence is more likely to occur. Teaching compassion towards all beings is essential for fostering a peaceful and just community. We must embrace TNRM programs as compassionate and effective methods for managing community cat populations while recognizing the detrimental biases that influence how these animals are perceived. We must not let cultural misunderstandings dictate laws or encourage cruelty. Instead, let's advocate for humane treatment that reflects the values of empathy and respect for all living beings. Let's work together to educate ourselves and our communities, ensuring that our love for animals shines through in our laws and actions. I want to add, that while there may be negative perceptions surrounding community cats in Hawaii, the number of advocates fighting for their welfare is significant and growing. One notable example is the Facebook group "Big Island Cats," which boasts over 5,000 members dedicated to the care and support of community cats. This is not an isolated case; there are nine other Facebook groups on the Big Island alone, all focused on the welfare of cats. These advocacy groups represent a sizable voting voice within the community. The collective passion and commitment of these advocates demonstrate a growing awareness of the issues facing community cats and the imperative for humane solutions like TNRM programs. As supporters unite and amplify their voices, they can influence broader perceptions and drive legislative change that benefits both the cats and the community at large. Our advocacy underscores that a significant portion of the community supports humane treatment for cats, opposing inhumane practices. By presenting a united front, these advocates can help shift cultural attitudes, build alliances, and promote policies that reflect compassion and responsibility toward our feline friends. Together, we can create a harmonious balance between community needs and the welfare of community cats, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued. In discussions about community cats, it's essential to address the misconceptions surrounding health risks, particularly regarding toxoplasmosis. While it's true that cats can be carriers of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, the risk of transmission to humans is relatively low. Most cases of toxoplasmosis stem from factors such as undercooked meat, contaminated water, or unwashed fruits and vegetables. As such, the dangers posed by community cats should be evaluated in the context of overall public health, recognizing that the actual risk is minimal. About birds, we all love our flying little feathered friends, right? Guess what! There are some who don't. I was at an outdoor and watched horrified as two of our local teens had a laughing fit when one of them stomped and flattened a little bird begging for crumbs. We can ask where did they learn such cruelty and how many of our keikis are laughing at animal cruelty. When it comes to protecting Hawaii's native birds, it's important to consider human impact. On my daily bike ride in Volcano, I almost always see a fead apapane, killed not by cats but speeding cars. While community cats may pose a risk to bird populations, human actions and habitat destruction contribute far more significantly to the decline of native species. We should strive for a balanced perspective, acknowledging that both cat welfare and native bird conservation are paramount. By focusing on humane solutions like TNRM programs and advocating for responsible pet ownership, we can minimize the impact of community cats on wildlife while understanding the larger context of human responsibility in conservation efforts. By promoting education and awareness, we can help ensure that cat advocates and bird conservationists work together towards the common goal of protecting Hawaii's unique ecosystem. Thank you for opposing Bill 51. Uldra Johnson