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Hawaii's Big Island Bans Feeding Feral Cats in an Effort to Help Endangered Native Species
Hawaii County's new law bans feeding feral cats on public land to protect endangered native species from predation and toxoplasmosis, with fines up to $500 for violations.
- At the start of the new year, Hawaii County will ban feeding feral animals on county property after the Hawaii County Council approved the ordinance in a veto-proof 6-2 vote and Big Island Mayor Kimo Alameda let it take effect without his signature.
- Conservation officials say the ban protects native species like the endangered nene from an introduced predator and biologists warn feeding attracts native animals, increasing their risk.
- The ordinance sets fines up to $50 for a first offense and $500 for subsequent violations, with Mayor Alameda hoping police treat enforcement as low priority; about 200 cats live at Kealakehe.
- Opponents warn the ban will hamper TNR efforts, push feeding underground, and force hungry cats to hunt, while some sent hate messages and persuaded Big Island Mayor Alameda it would harm cats.
- Last year a male nene was killed crossing to a Hilo feeding station, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources reported a gosling died of toxoplasmosis in 2024, and Raymond McGuire, state wildlife biologist, recently found cats near Waikoloa nesting sites.
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St Catharines Standard+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Hawaii’s Big Island bans feeding feral cats in an effort to help endangered native species
KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii (AP) — Throngs of feral cats emerge from the shade of parked trucks and bushes as soon as the familiar Subaru Forester pulls into a dump on Hawaii's Big Island. They run after the vehicle to a certain…
·Welland, Canada
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Associated Press News+15 Reposted by 15 other sources
Hawaii's Big Island bans feeding feral cats in an effort to help endangered native species
Hawaii's Big Island is banning people from feeding feral cats in an effort to protect native species, including an endangered goose.
·United States
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Total News Sources20
Leaning Left7Leaning Right2Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution44% Left, 44% Center
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources lean Left, 44% of the sources are Center
44% Center
L 44%
C 44%
12%
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