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Posted by Jeff Toll on 09:42:37 05/09/08
In Reply to: Re: Feral cats at Barnes posted by Georgiana
Georgiana and others,I understand and share some of your outrage.The simple fact is that the cats do not belong at Barnes-I would think that will be our (TAS's)proverbial line in the sand. However,in order to get the cats out of Barnes,they will either need to be relocated or euthanized, and the unacceptability of euthanasia will be the animal rights' groups' line in the sand.Elected officials as a group care more about public health than neotropical bird populations and conservation because that is where their short-term liability is greatest.They will only consider euthanasia and take on the animal rights' folks if they are confident that the public health and welfare are jeopardized(eg we know that rats can transmit bubonic plague-the fear of an outbreak would temper any concern about the welfare of the rats).I believe it will be unproductive to alienate resources who might be able to assist in the relocation of cats from Barnes,especially if we agree that euthanasia of feral cats will probably not be acceptable to the public or public officials without documentation of a clear danger to public health(an aspect of this issue as yet to be explored).My view is that partnering w/ more moderate elements to value ecosystems and cats and get the cats out of Barnes without euthanasia will get the broadest support and will marginalize the few people who think the cats deserve not only to live but to live at Barnes.
Respectfully, Jeff
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