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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.372 2024-2026From: Lynn Morrison Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 2:42 PM c-> To: Council Testimony Subject: Opposing Bill 51 ram- To all governmental parties, I am writing on behalf of Action 4 Animals to state our unanimous opposition to Bill 51 criminaing' people who feed cats on county property. It is a short-sighted and punitive bill reflecting an aQ aim'' approach to the humane treatment of animals. It is also nonsensical as an environmental solution. Cat rescuers are not myopic and have been problem -solving community cat care for an extended period of time resulting in strong collaboration and cumulative experience. The County should be tapping into the wealth of knowledge accrued by cat rescues to develop solutions that are humane, environmentally safe and sustainable for various species, and are acceptable by the larger community. Action 4 Animals, with over 600 yearly cat adoptions and in-depth experience working with community cats, is eager to collaborate with you. We need to stop the source of unwanted cats not by slowly starving the cats but by quelling the overpopulation of cats through public education and the provision of spay/neuter services. The source of the problem is right here in our community - the ignorant humans who do not fix their animals. We have a strong partnership with Aloha Animal Alliance who has developed an exceptional cat management program aimed at slowly and progressively decreasing the number of unwanted and dumped cats on the Island of Hawaii while educating the public on the compassionate and humane treatment of cats. This well thought-out plan takes into consideration the survival of the many bird, and specifically the nene, populations. This TNRM plan is community -driven and proven to be successful in other parts of the world where the culture of animals is largely negative. That the County of Hawaii is becoming known for its inhumane treatment of animals is not a desirable attribute. To be utterly avoided is becoming known for its inhumane treatment of decent and caring people which will be the result if Bill 51 passes. Regards, Lynn Morrison, PhD President, Action4Animals Hawaii A Community -based group of Volunteers in East Hawaii https://www.action4animalshawaii.com/ FB: Action4Animals Hawaii C©Mra. N1 0. Red. To: Ref. Daie J L 2 3 2025