A new law on Hawaii's Big Island banning the feeding of feral animals on county property is set to take effect at the start of the new year. The measure aims to protect native species, such as the endangered nene goose, from feral cats, which were introduced to the islands by Europeans in the 18th century.
The ban has sparked controversy among cat lovers, including Liz Swan, who has been feeding feral cats on the island for 33 years. 'I don't believe the cats should be exterminated at the expense of the nene,' Swan said. 'They're both living creatures.'
Estimates suggest tens of thousands of feral cats live on the Big Island, with dense colonies supported by people. Opponents argue the ban will hinder efforts to control the population through trap-neuter-return programmes, forcing hungry cats to hunt for food.
Biologists say cats threaten native species directly by killing them and indirectly through food left out, which attracts native animals closer to humans. Cat faeces can also spread toxoplasmosis, a disease that has killed endangered Hawaiian monk seals and native birds. Last year, a male nene was struck by a car while crossing a road to reach a cat feeding station.
State wildlife biologist Raymond McGuire, a cat owner himself, supports the ban. 'There's so many birds that my kids will never see, that I got to see,' he said, noting that Hawaii's ecosystem is particularly vulnerable to mammalian predators. Big Island Mayor Kimo Alameda, whose family's aumakua (ancestral spirit guide) is the shark, let the measure take effect without his signature, citing sympathy for the cats.
Violations carry fines of up to $50 for a first offence and up to $500 for subsequent offences. Mayor Alameda hopes police consider enforcement a low priority.
