Rules on invasive species ‘gross’, say animal activists
(CNS): The Cayman Islands Humane Society has called the new rules surrounding invasive species “gross” and “an unnecessary, disproportionate” response to the problem of feral animals and “a drastic regression for animal welfare”. As the public backlash continues against efforts to protect Cayman’s threatened endemic and native species, the non-profit organisation has claimed that none of the animal charities were consulted about the new regulations.
In an open letter to Premier Wayne Panton, the minister for sustainability who has responsibility for the National Conservation Council, the animal activists complain that the government has not properly considered trap-neuter-release as a solution. The CIHS confirmed this was confined to cats and does not include feral chickens or rats.
In the letter, the NPO said the regulations were irrational and that “a confused, inconsistent and misleading narrative” was being propagated by the government. “The Regulations represent a grossly disproportionate response to the perceived issues and provide for an equally disproportionate enforcement regime. The fact that the Government has not only seen fit to criminalise the feeding of cats and chickens, but has deemed this to be an imprisonable offence, is something of which this Government should be deeply ashamed,” the charity wrote to the premier.
The regulations have been more than a decade in the making and have emerged as a result of the massive problems the Department of Environment has had in attempting to exercise control programmes for alien species, including the limited feral cat cull. Nevertheless, the CIHS claimed the rules were “rushed, with little thought to how they would play out in practice or be enforced”.
Asking the government to rethink its position on the criminalisation of feeding feral cats and chickens, which would encourage “willful neglect, thereby causing cruel and unnecessary suffering”, the CIHS said it had relegated Cayman’s animal welfare regime far behind those of other developed countries. “The current state of affairs is plainly untenable. Failure to remedy the defects in the Regulations will likely result in far greater suffering for the animals of these islands, including those the government purportedly seeks to protect.”
However, the regulations were implemented precisely to protect Cayman’s threatened flora and fauna. Alien species play a critical part in the demise of native species, such as the brown boobies on Cayman Brac, the rock iguanas on both Sister Islands and, especially, the blue iguanas on Grand Cayman, where heroic efforts brought this iconic reptile back from the brink of extinction.
The DoE has said that a number of factors, such as the over-development of the islands and climate change, are posing a threat to the future of many native species, but the threats from feral animals are known to be catastrophically damaging. The department is trying to tackle the “state of emergency” for native species, and John Bothwell and Fred Burton from the DoE have both explained on a number of occasions why the new rules are required.
Trapping, neutering and then releasing feral cats and dogs reduces the number of the next generation but does little to reduce the immediate impact on the iguanas, native birds and lizards. Nevertheless, the CIHS has asked the government to withdraw the regulations to carry out further consultation with the public and start a “constructive dialogue” to identify a proportionate response to the animal welfare issue.
See the letter in the CNS Library.
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Category: Land Habitat, Science & Nature
Get rid of the feral cats, green iguanas, wild chickens, and lionfish – then work on deporting some of our invasive ex-pats back to their home countries! The Cayman Humane Society is probably the most useless organization in the Cayman Islands; all it does is complain and have no solution.
“…the Government has not only seen fit to criminalise the feeding of cats and chickens, but has deemed this to be an imprisonable offence…”, but they refuse to put effective laws in place to deal with gambling-related crimes – too cowardly to legalise gambling and too weak to provide effective laws to police the activities they CHOSE to remain criminal. Disappointing, indeed.
What is a bad thing anyway? A bad thing is something that is different from what we want. Who gets to decide what the bad thing is? A while back, we watched a green Iguana walk along our boundary fence. The neighbor’s cat pounced and ate the Iquana. I said “bad cat!”, but the cat said, “GOOD MEAL!”
Why did you say bad cat? We used to pay people to kill them.
Maybe if the CIHS used the millions of dollars they receive to build a proper shelter (you know, away from one of the busiest roads in Cayman), they could take in a large number of these feral cats to wait for adoption to a proper home. Isn’t it true that some old rich lady left ACRES of land to the CIHS but the CIHS turned it down or something? CIHS, you are not helping yourselves at all.
Let me tell you all the master plan. The real elephant in the room is development. However, that is where government makes their money: stamp duty and let’s not forget work permit fees. Government is having us against simple animals so they can collect their fees, make Caymanians poor and promise us all kinds of crap. Give us a little fridge and turtle meat at Christmas time so the people think the politician care about them. Eggs are sky high. Why aren’t they encouraging people to catch them to lay eggs and eat? They have plenty land that could also be used to keep them. Even a farm for a tourist attraction as well.
So, why don’t the activist house these cats and chickens? I’m more than sure that their homes is a much better place for them to be.
They do.
Is this coming from the same humane society that would “put down” entire litters of kittens and mother when overcrowded?
Yep “activists” is a word that makes me cringe when I hear it.
Kill that cats save the native species. Simple.
What about the lion fish ? I guess we should let them wipe out our reefs? Guess humane doesn’t apply to fish ?
whataboutism 101
What about the million+ green iguanas that were all killed in one year ?
Guess they don’t count either ?
Get rid of invasive species. Protect endangered species. Seem pretty clear ?
I think this has all been taken out of context, with drama added for extra flavour.
CIHS isn’t saying no to all cat culling. DOE isn’t saying kill all cats.
At least on the Sister Islands, it is fairly simple: Trap and kill all feral cats that are away from residential areas. Allow a grace period for the rare person who might be missing their cat.
All cats — except fat house cats — roam. Booby birds are rarely nesting in residential areas. There are some SIRI who do so, and so great care must be taken when trapping ferals in residential areas.
Instead of raising a great fuss, let us focus on the particulars. I think most people don’t really want to defend truly feral cats. I personally don’t think the culling of feral cats will make a measurable difference on the Brac, however I also think it needs to be done, and shouldn’t result in any detriment to the indigenous animal populations.
Humane Society has been fighting the good fight for decades. They aren’t the enemy. There is nothing wrong with wanting the feral cat killing to be humane. I personally think that roving dog packs do more harm than cats, however I lack the evidentiary data.
Let us all work together toward a meaningful solution, and not quibble over minutiae.
Except that owners of domestic animals in the Cayman Islands hold no rights to let their pets roam free. That disconnect is why a local chapter of Humane Society had to be established.
To the point of the rationale of land and development in Cayman.
I was having a discussion with someone recently and they were excited about purchasing a new luxury item. This person is Caymanian and was gifted land.
This item was very expensive and had 4 wheels. I make more than this person and could not even begin to imagine affording it. When I heard the number I almost feel over knowing approximately what they make versus me and the fact that they share accommodation with multiple extended family members at this time.
I was told I will just sell off a piece of land, quote.
Cats kept indoors live 12-18 years with proper care. Feral cats live 2-3 years.
A fertile cat can produce an average of 3 litters in 1 year. The average number of kittens in a feline litter is 4-6. Up to 4,948 kittens can be born from 1 unspayed female cat and her offspring in 7 years.
by 4,948 do you mean 126?
3x6x7=126
Cayman Math educated? The offspring also will reproduce eventually, and so will their offspring. 9:43’s math is not fully detailed, but your’s is simply wrong.
I’m an animal lover, having had 4 great dogs and 2 great cats pretty much as family members over the past 45 years
Having said that, I feel that the feral cats on all three Islands should be eradicated as thoroughly as the green iguanas. They are a destructive and invasive species that cause more harm than the green iguanas did. And if Cayman ever has an outbreak of rabies, it will be the thousands of feral cats that spread it.
Where’s the outrage over the law the we aren’t allowed to give Cuban refugees arriving by boat food or water? Pardon the pun but crazy cat ladies you sure are a special breed.
The cats run from the chickens in my yard.
Your cats must be cowards! My cat killed an ostritch last week!
The local attitude toward cats and animals in general (turtles come to mind…) is incredible. No wonder the island has been overbuilt and destroyed, and the smell of the rubbish dump extends all the way to the most popular supermarkets. There is no respect for nature, and forget the animal rights, in Cayman they have none. If I could give a suggestion to the people of the Humane society, it would be to leave immediately. It is better for the remaining animals on island to be killed quickly and disappear forever.
Ban the importation of cats be dogs. It’s a disgrace when there are animals up for adoption. Not to mention the carbon footprint.
Hats off to those that do, but not every household with small kids has the tolerance and time to rehab a long-mistreated nipping animal. Enjoy in your house. Apologies in advance to your furniture.
Then adopt an abandoned puppy or kitten. But for some people – you perhaps – the animal is a conspicuous consumption item, to go with your nice car, latest model phone and fancy watch. God forbid they should be seen with a mongrel.
Say what?
I promise not to mention the carbon footprint.
Oh my God! Please don’t mention the carbon footprint!
so there’s no law against the importation of cats then?
It is actually far more involved to import a cat than a person; They must be pre-tested and inspected, and then quarantined, and then post-tested and inspected, and a “passport” issued for them.
You know how hard it is to make a cat smile for a passport photo? I do. 😀 😀
Can’t get animal passports anymore until after the 4th problem-free inbound border crossing.
I think it’s gross that the people who wanted this thing to go 10000% over to one side (their side) and filed an injunction to have absolutely nothing done about the problem, are now complaining that they don’t like what’s being done about the problem… obviously they don’t like it, they wanted nothing to be done so the native species would be in danger of going extinct.
Sheesh… THINK! PLEASE!!! Folks don’t pay to import a cat on air fair just to release them. The cats you have a concern for are not coming on planes (or satellites. or space ships – for the uneducated readers…); they are part of the wilderness, and as such can be dealt with accordingly.
They never do anything right the first time.
They even confused Compass staff who call feral creatures “Pets”.
Revoke the business license of the CIHS.
They are a direct and dangerous threat to the unique and natural animals and habitat of the Cayman Islands.
Some may say but that would be like throwing the baby out with the bath water to which I say too bad.
If people stop contributing to the Humane Society, they wil shut up
But they get points for residency…
By far and away, the leading cause of the demise of local species is over-development and resulting loss of natural habitat. This causes the ‘native species’ to come in to close contact with feral animals when they seek other places to live. Blaming wandering pets and feral colonies for loss of native species is only scapegoating animals that have been abandoned or abused. There needs to be serious consequences for those who abuse or abandon pets/animals to the streets! ALL pets should have mandatory micro-chipping, and therefore be directly TRACEABLE to the low-life that abuses or abandons them!
The process of TNR (Trap, spay/neuter, release/adopt) is a proven method to control the proliferation of stray animals. This method now appears to run afoul of the new ‘regulations’ and as a result, a known and proven effective process is now barred. It’s the innocent/neglected animals that will suffer, who by their accident of birth will be subjected to summary execution. We treat hardened criminals far better than innocent animals, who now have no voice nor adequate protection.
If trap neuter release could work, it would have already worked because the Humane Society has MILLIONS of dollars. They were left millions.
No, they don’t have MILLIONS. That is a LIE. Not even tens of thousands.
Do they ever share and circulate their balance sheets and accounts? Most non profits do at the agm. Seems to be zero transparency surrounding humane society financials. It’s nowhere to be found on their website. Very odd for a non profit not to disclose this info.
They have millions. It’s held in trust (Genesis Trust) for their sole use. These are the facts.
Prove it. Easy to do, if you aren’t FOS.
Paul Drake is the trustee, feel free to go ahead and give him a call yourself.
They are trying, and it does work. And NO, money isn’t always the deciding factor – Doors open with facts, as well as with promises.
OK, so you are equating the ‘Humane Society’ having millions of dollars; to the efficacy of Trap/neuter/release? There is no logic in you’re statement. They are two separate issues – both serious.
Can the CIHS guarantee that all feral cats will be trapped and neutered/spayed?
Can the CIHS guarantee that the released neutered cats will be released in areas where there are no native wildlife?
I think not.
It doesn’t even matter. TNR does not remove the predator hunting/dining on indigenous birds. These feral animals also spread disease, ticks, heart worm, and support a sub-tier of nuisance rat colonies, cockroaches, centipedes, and fire ants. We don’t need more of any of these. Only 2 choices then: re-home or euthanise. CIHS have not put forth their plan for re-homing them. That leaves just one choice, and they don’t want to accept that reality.
“nuisance rat colonies, cockroaches, centipedes, and fire ants”? WTF??? This is not only an unsupportable claim, but just plain cray-cray.
Yes, surely the fire ant and centipede unions will be up in arms. But… but… what about the poor scorpions and other arachnids? Surely you don’t want them to be unrepresented?
You use so many logical fallacies, I’m not certain which one to pick. 🙁
Per logic, and DoE fact sheets, TNR does not remove the predator. Checkmate.
That’s not what the responder was saying – so no, not check mate. They were pointing out the nonsense in suggesting that feral cats lead to an increase in fire ants and centipedes. Bet your DOE fact sheet doesn’t say that now, does it.
All I saw was complaints from CIHS. Pose a better solution if you’re going to complain. Bring something to the table or don’t say anything.
They have brought something to the table – catch, neuter, release. Of course it does nothing to stop the current generation of feral cats continuing to kill, but hey – they are furry and iguanas and boobys arent.
Trapping is fine, neutering is fine, releasing back into wild areas to kill native wildlife is not fine. Humane Society, if you truly and genuinely cared about these cats, surely you’d find them all loving indoor homes?
This is certainly a possibility within the new regs, but you don’t seem up for the challenge.
So let’s get this straight – the Humane Society board is upset that it’s no longer legal to release introduced invasive predators into wild areas, where they wipe out entire native species of bird, lizard and amphibian? Seriously?
Humane Society board, you have some serious soul searching to do on this one. Stay in your lane and do what you are really good at doing – finding dogs and cats loving homes. Please, leave conservation decisions to conservation biologists and policy makers. You’ve got some serious cat tunnel vision going on right now and your blatant disregard for native wildlife is appalling.
The irony that a group made up primarily of expats is fighting for the rights of invasive predators over native wildlife is not lost on anyone here. Maybe it’s time you go back to wherever it is you came from and ruin your own native wildlife in that country.
You completely miss the irony that it is mostly expats dealing with this problem created by Caymanians.
Feral cats are an issue globally.
Dealing with the problem???? Where?, where?
Yeah but don’t forget the irony that almost every charity in Cayman was created by expats and is still largely run by expats, for the benefit of Caymanians and Cayman.
You grossest thing is watching somebody’s blooming cat killing MY wild birds. Gross as hell
how are wild birds yours?
If they have wild birds living in their yard and trees, it’s understandable they consider them theirs. That’s environmental stewardship.
Feral cats and dogs, the by product of cruel, inconsiderate owners, are the very reason why the Humane Society had to be established. Non-gov’t animal re-homing agencies are not supposed to be permanent housing fixtures, loaded to the gills with assorted problem animals forever, or seeking to expand to even larger capacity to save everything. That isn’t the mission. Ideally, we don’t want the Humane Society to need to exist anymore at all. Either find the animals new homes prior to their termination date, or make the tough call to euthanize. This is what Humane Societies do everywhere else on Earth. I volunteered at a large one in Canada and every second Thursday, the cat population was reduced to zero, along with raccoons, skunks, and dogs. It sucked, but it was the pragmatic reality. Our Humane Society leadership is deeply out of touch and needs to put their grownup pants on.
Nah, CIHS exists so expats can get PR Points by walking dogs
People who truly love cats keep them at home, out of harm’s way. The savage torture to which our birds and lizards are subjected is heart-rending. There is a win-win option here. Pet cats will live longer, healthier lives kept at home and our treasured native species can live and reproduce safely.
To 07/02/2023. @1:47
Should we keep the rats , mice and snakes in our homes too? You all keep blaming feral cats for killing off “your” native birds but what about the rats, nice and snakes that destroy them? Please don’t say they don’t because I’ve witnessed it many times.
and hawks. Crab catchers kill other birds too. I witnessed one taking off with a baby chick. Owls kill other birds as well.
Let’s be clear, there is a difference between a pet and a natural order to things. Owls and snakes killing other birds is part of the nautral order of the animal kingdom. The point of why the cats are being targeted is because they are not a natural species and they lead to too much killing of the birds.
Honestly, we need to stop this. You need to try to understand why the natural world order works the way it does. No one wants to kill cats, but this is unavoidable as the birds do not have a defence. Owls have natural predators. It’s the hierarchy of the food chain.
Id you read ANY of the info releases from DOE you wouldn’t be asking stupid questions that have already been answered.
Why do people do that? Why jump in the comment section talking crap illustrating how lazy and ignorant you are when a simple search and some reading would educate you and prevent you from looking like a silly troll. All these anonymous idiots arguing in the comments with experts about their expertise. Wtf is wrong with you people? If you know better go work for doe or stfu.
Gross and out of touch are the owners that leave their cats and dogs outside in the tropics to fend for themselves.
Are the CIHS serious when they purport “wilful neglect” of an animal that no one owns??
If the CIHS and their supporters wants to save the feral animals, please just go and collect them All, and keep them in your yards all the time.
I’m so bored of this now. CIHS are in the wrong.
Lion Fish are invasive. Recipes have been designed so that people can eat them. why not do the same for cats?
Dear CIHS board,
I am a long time (~40 years) supporter (financial and otherwise) of the CIHS. Historically, the CIHS made a positive contribution to these islands but on this subject the board is utterly misguided and irrational and I am sure does not speak for all or even a majority of the membership.
The Humane Society should have been working with the government for the last 20 plus years. This is a failing of that charity.
What CIHS should have been doing when they started so encouraging the government at the time to implement laws surrounding care of animals and pets in particular. Any pet owner should have to spay/neuter their pet and if caught without a neutered pet then there should have been a fine. You can allow certain owners to have a breeder’s licence, which would help regulate those people that breed dogs/cats. There is a breeder of beagles in Little Cayman and the poor dogs look completely worn out from the amount of litters they have produced. So we could have solved two problems unwanted dogs and reduction of animal cruelty.
What has the charity done? Nothing, but house animals. Now I am an animal lover and would not be able to cull any animal, but I see what the government now has resorted to this. Endemic species are being wiped out. This is an immediate solution.
The trap-neuter-release has been done by Feline Friends already and it hasn’t worked. That cat can live for probably 15+ years, which is a long time for that cat to continue to kill endemic species.
I never had much respect for CIHS or the way that it is run.
You are completely missing the point in this.
If you want to help, advocate for responsible pet ownership, for all animals to be neutered unless in possession of breeder’s licence and give limitations to breeder’s licences. We can’t import pit bulls anymore, but if you had to have breeder’s licences, then we would be able to stop breeding from dangerous dogs already on the island.
Humane Society has worked tirelessly for years! Without them this island would be more over run with feral animals.They are NOT to blame! The Government and DOA do not enforce the animals laws that are already in place. Breeders licenses that’s a joke! Do you know how many back yard breeders are on this island? Animal cruelty is everywhere and has been for years. We just had a govt employee get 80 hours community service for cock fighting. What a joke!
You are blaming the Humane Society? If the government enforced and updated their animal laws we wouldn’t be in this situation. DOE are not going to be able to cull every feral animal on this island but at least Feline Friends can stop the ongoing breeding! If you think you can do better then why don’t you join the Humane Society and help.
They are absolutely to blame. As an animal charity they should have been a constant thorn in the side advocating for the laws to be improved and enforced. That’s what they had to do.
Do you think anything happens without advocacy? Of course not, otherwise you are just a reactive charity that will never bring about real change.
All charities that are run here should have a director/department in charge of advocacy.
Feline Friends hasn’t stopped the ongoing breeding. They have been going for at least 10 years, yet we still have a huge cat problem. So trap-neuter-release is NOT working.
I’m fine with the need to get rid of these feral cats and chickens. But, is such a heavy fine and jailtime really necessary simply for just feeding these animals? It’s nearly as severe as violent crime for simply having a heart!
In Cayman, seldom does any twit receive the $1000 DoA Animal Laws fine for failing to pick up after their dogs, or the other $1000 fine for having pets out of sight, or control, or off leash. For two generations DoE have had a $500,000 fine, prison sentence, and boat confiscation decrees in the Marine Park rules, but most of our serial violator poachers get let go with a warning and their illegal catch sent to the Pines. I’d have low expectations on fines, but doesn’t give license to disregard the laws. Following the law is allows free and popular.
No truer words!
Does the Humane Society take the same shrill position on rats, snakes, etc? Or mosquitos?
If not, why not? What’s the moral superiority of cats and dogs over them? Explain, Human Society.
Typical Humane Society. Don’t just thumbs-down: answer!
Or green iguanas? Or lionfish? Should we be trapping neutering and releasing them too?
I get your point, but your point is sadly ridiculous. We should not be neutering lionfish or green iguanas. We should be culling them and eating them.
If there is a failing of the DOE in this regard, it is in not streamlining the spearfishing regulations and air rifle requirements, so that a person just has to go through a training session and acquire their licence.
As it sits now, there is a huge — in the thousands — outlay of funds required in order to get either of those licences.
lionfish license is a 2 hour course, with free renewals.
Getting a licensed spear is a different matter, but if you have the license, you can use spears owned by dive companies.
Euthanize all the dogs and cats running loose on the streets and instead raise those funds for the humans living in these islands who are in need. Funds would be better served that way.
I prefer the dogs and cats to the feral humans.
YES, thank you 11:40pm!
cig is a shambolic incompetent mess.
civil service is filled with poorly edcucated peeople with zero ability to tackle these issues.
if we can’t be honest and face these facts we will never be closer to a solution.
These invasive species lovers need to get a damn grip!!
All cats outside of a home without a bell on it’s collar to alert birds and wildlife should be shot, no exceptions.
Kill them all
Cats and dogs aren’t allowed to roam free outside.
Ha ha ha ha ha!!!! Where do you live?
I propose the same outcome for you, since you are likely far more invasive and detrimental to the ecology than a mere cat. Yes, I like it. From this point forward, you must wear a bell on a collar to alert females of the species that you are roaming, so they can take appropriate evasive action.
How do I know you’re a male? Well, friendo, it is quite obvious.
Did you just assume my gender!? OMG I am so triggered right now!! How dare you!!
Neuter and release? So let them eat the blue and Rock iguanas and birds for 15 years until they die? Cull them and charge 5 a head like the green iguanas.
in other words the Humane Society does not care if native species are wiped out.
Basically, yes.
Trap, neuter – release will not work, because a neutered cat will still kill an endangered bird or chick! There are a billion cats in the world, but these birds are endangered!!!
You can’t save all the cats all the time!!!
Thank you.
Sadly some people will never understand this.
Catch, neuter and deliver to the Humane Society.
Some dunderheads will also never understand that a cat of any size will never take down a full-grown booby, chicken or any other medium-sized bird.
because that’s not true.
There’s literally video evidence that you are wrong.
Oh that has definitely been discussed. They have made it very clear they are not at all interested in that option.
Oh great, the Humane Society and all their “experts” again. Take your emotions elsewhere, this is real science.