REDWOOD REGION AUDUBON SOCIETY

with

FRIENDS OF THE ARCATA MARSH

CATS & BIRDS COMMITTEE MISSION STATEMENT

It is the mission of the Audubon and Friends Cats & Birds Committee to end predation by free-ranging cats on birds and other wildlife in public and private spaces, and to advocate for humane and responsible ownership of cats.

Steps toward fulfilling the above mission may include:

  1. Recognizing that cats as pets have a long association with humans, and that responsible cat owners are to be commended and encouraged to continue caring for them in a way that benefits the cats, themselves, the public, and wildlife.

  1. Supporting educational programs and materials that provide scientific information on the adverse effects on feral and un-owned cats of living outdoors, and that call on pet owners to keep cats indoors, in outdoor enclosures, or on a leash.

  1. Offering printed brochures, articles and other informational materials at interpretive centers, pet stores, our monthly programs, and other suitable locations.

  1. Supporting the passage and enforcement of local ordinances that would prohibit the feeding of feral or un-owned cats, or the release of feral or un-owned cats other than to a cattery or other area designed for their confinement and that prevents predation on wildlife.

  1. Supporting the passage and enforcement of local ordinances that would prohibit the maintenance of “managed” (trap/neuter/release) free-ranging cat colonies or any other situation that allows cats to range freely.

  1. Providing information to the public about the threat of cat-borne diseases to the health of humans and other animals.

  1. Providing information online about responsible cat ownership resources and local spay/neuter and adoption programs that do not release cats to the outdoors.

3/20/20