We are writing in support of the letter the mayor and council received recently from the Victoria Natural History Society calling for the ownership of domestic cats to be regulated.
RELATED: Victoria Natural History Society asks district to keep cats under control
It is well known that outdoor domestic and feral cats kill millions of birds across North America every year. Indoor cats do not. Given the increasing pressure that human activities are placing on all wildlife it is unconscionable that we would ignore this problem when the solution is within our reach.
RELATED: Leash your cat or face a $150 fine in Victoria
Domestic cats should be licensed and owners should be responsible to keep them indoors or, at the very least, on their properties. Penalties should be imposed on the owners of cats who are persistent wanderers or wanton bird killers. The feeding of feral cats should be outlawed and feral cats should be captured and turned over to the SPCA. Implementing these changes across North America would make an enormous difference to wild bird populations.
RELATED: LETTER: Only good can come from licencing cats
Victoria city council has shown its ability to be leaders in promoting progressive environmental policies. We encourage council to step forward and take action within our city and to promote the same amongst all the municipalities within the Capital Regional District.
Ken Walker and Jenny Clark
Victoria
