HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0937.016 2004-2006
June 17, 2006 Page 1 of 3
Murashige, Laura
From: Madelyn Barrea [madb1@hawaiiantel.net]
Sent: Monday, June 19, 2006 1:20 PM t~ JUN
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Revisions of Chapter 4, Animal Control Laws
Original Message
From: Ginger Towle
Sent: Monday, June 19, 2006 11:13 AM
Subject: June 17.docrev,chpt4.doc
Page 1
June 17, 2006
To - County Council - Attention - Bob Jacobson
From - Ginger Towle - West Hawaii Humane Society - 75-5788 Nele Place, Kailua Kona, Hi. 96740
329-2051
Subject - Revisions of Chapter 4, Animal Control laws
Cat collars - impound fees on feral cats - 4 animals per household - water available
Animals as prizes - cockfighting a felony - any noise under barking
dogs
Requiring cats to be chipped and registered for a fee is logical and ensures that they can be identified. This gives
cats status and protection. However, requiring that cats must all wear collars is not only impractical but in many
cases impossible and dangerous to the health and well being of the cat. Some cats absolutely will not wear a
collar and injure themselves in trying to remove it. In addition cats with collars are in constant danger of getting
caught on tree branches, shrubs etc.
You are exempting hunting dogs from wearing collars when hunting because they are in danger of getting hung
up on something so it is only reasonable that cats should be protected and not have to wear collars at all as they
are always climbing and constantly in danger.
Feral cat colonies should be exempt from fines and impoundment fees and unless there is a serious problem with
the cats they should be returned to their caregivers without any charges. Advocats as well as West Hawaii
Humane Society and some of the large hotels have colonies. Josie Morgan has and is working with Dr. Joy Banks
and the hotel managements who are now covering the cost of neutering and feeding the feral cats on their
properties. They have established "kitty feeding stations" which incidentally is a policy that has impressed the
tourists. I suggest you check with the Four Season and the Keauhou Beach hotels to see how successful this
program has been. Other hotels are also coming on board with this program. The feral cats in colonies all have
tipped ears; they are not chipped or wear collars. These feral cat programs need to be applauded as a service to
the community. Cats really are essential to the control of rats and mice in the tropics.
Advocats, West Hawaii Humane Society and Hawaii Island Humane Society have all worked toward reducing the
feral cat population. Without these programs we would have had thousand more cats born. Trap ute r I se
Comm. No.
Ref. To: Pr
6/19/2006 Ref. Date
June 17, 2006 Page 2 of 3
is a proven practical program.
The restriction of only permitting 4 animals per family is not appropriate. Its not the number of pets in the
household that is a problem but it is irresponsible pet owners. Here again the problem is predominately DOG
OWNERS who let their dogs run loose. (So far no cat has killed are seriously injured any resident!) So...someone
has 2 guinea pigs and 2 rabbits I guess they have reached their quota? Lets see, the animals already owned will
be grand fathered in and who is going to monitor compliance? People will simply not license any additional
animals.
In passing new laws we need to be sure that they are really necessary and totally enforceable, which means
that there has to be sufficient staff to handle all the new legislation effectively. You all need to ask yourselves if
the new laws serve the needs of the community as well as protect our pets.
If the 4 animals per household limit is proposed then I think there should be public hearings, as they did before,
so that the general public can let you know their feelings on this. It was proposed once before, the limit was
going to be 5 pets and it was not well received by the community and thus failed. Condos, apartment complexes
and resort subdivisions have their own rules as well as property owners associations. I feel they are best suited to
determine what is allowed in their immediate area.
I feel the fine for no license should be no more than $25.00.
Page 2
Under Article 3 Section 4-6 Feeding and watering animals
It reads - All animals should be provided with the type and amount of food and water appropriate for and of
sufficient nutritive content for the health and well-being for each particicular species. Such food and water shall
be provided at least once each 24 hours.
It should read -
Section 4-6. Feeding and watering of animals.
All animals should be provided with the type and adequate amount of food appropriate and of sufficient nutritive
content to provide for the health and well-being of each species considering their age and condition. WATER
SHOULD BE AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES.
Another section should be added to cover giving animals and fish away as pets. This has been a part of the
Chapter 4 and should be retained:
It is illegal to give any animal or poultry or fish as a prize.
Regarding Bill 258
I recommend combining some items from the Honolulu ordinance and meshing it with Bob Jacobson's bill.
Suggest including the prohibition of Cockfighting and the owning of any cockfighting weapons or equipment.
However it should be listed under cruelty to animals and a felony.
The unreasonable noise from any animal could be incorporated into the barking dog section.
This ordinance lists no more than 10 dogs over 4 months are permitted per household and 2 chickens and
peafowl. They place no restrictions on other pets. Interesting concept.
6/19/2006