East Bay Animal PAC Board Urges Parks to Stop Shooting Cats
Upon learning of the East Bay Regional Park’s inhumane policy of shooting free-roaming cats, we issued a letter to the board. There is a better, non-violent solution to this problem.
Dear President Corbett,
I am writing to you on behalf of the East Bay Animal PAC regarding a recent report on ABC7 News that the East Bay Regional Park District has a policy whereby they can shoot and kill free-roaming cats, which may be abandoned, lost, or feral cats that they deem a risk to wildlife. ABC7 filed a California Public Records Act request and confirmed that at least 18 cats have been shot this year.
We find this policy highly troubling, as the Bay Area has model programs for rescuing cats, spaying them and placing them in safe environments, including the city’s own animal services, which was never contacted to find a humane solution.
We understand and care about wild birds who may be threatened by feral cats; however, studies have shown that cats and birds can coexist in natural habitats. When threats occur, it is vital that decision-makers ensure that proper resources exist and that they are utilized to capture and spay cats, rather than shoot them.
We encourage the district to adopt a policy that prevents the killing of cats except under extreme circumstances. We further suggest that the District work with local cat and animal agencies and organizations to learn about proper adoption, spaying and placement programs.
Thank you,
Michael Colbruno
Chair
East Bay Animal PAC