Feral
Cats!! If We Put Out Food - They Will Come!
One of the issues frequently brought up by owners at past Annual Meetings was feral (wild) cats on the property. Owners object to the cat presence for a number of reasons including: 1. Harmful environment: Cat excrement is a known harbinger of serious diseases that endanger humans and other animals. And, some owners and guests have reported allergic reactions to cats. 2. Repugnant odors: Obnoxious fecal smells are continually being reported near buildings with high populations of feral cats. 3. Threats to the island's bird population: Molokai's bird population has evolved in the absence of mammalian predators. Some of Molokai's birds do not fly. They have no defenses against cats, both feral and domestic. Cats are very efficient predators and threaten the elimination of entire indigenous bird populations. Many organizations including Maui County, the Moloka`i Humane Society, and the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii have programs to help address the feral cat problem on our island. 4. Our Bylaw against keeping pets: No pets, except service animals, are permitted at Paniolo Hale (Bylaws Article 5, section 4L). What is being done to resolve the problem? 1. Paniolo Hale is participating in the Humane Society's neutering and adoption program. 2. Areas under problem buildings are cleaned on a regular basis (a particularly unpleasant task for our grounds care staffs). 3. At the May 17, 2003, Board of Directors meeting a fine schedule for Bylaw and House Rule violations was established. The primary reason for the fine schedule was to address the problem of owners and their guests providing food and water for feral cats. Costs for violating the “do not feed the cats” rule are substantial ranging to $150 for continuing violations every 5 days. What can each owner or guest do to help resolve the
problem? 1.
Resist the urge to provide food for feral cats.
Unfortunately, the seemingly humane action of providing food only exacerbates
the problem by attracting larger and larger feral populations to Paniolo
Hale. 2.
Remind renters about the “do not feed the cats” rule. 3.
Report feral cat sightings at Paniolo Hale to the
Resident Manager 4.
Respond to the Molokai's Humane Society's appeal for
financial contributions to their low cost spay and neutering program. You may send your tax-deductable
contribution to: Molokai Humane Society 558-0000
Mahalo for your
understanding and cooperation.
|
|
|