 |
| The HSUS, Nancy Peterson |
|
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey launched an effort Oct. 26, 2007 to remove feral cats living on the 5,000-acre grounds of the JFK Airport in Queens. The airport, adjacent to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, has expressed concerns about mishaps caused by encounters between birds and planes. They believe that the feeding of feral cats may attract birds.
After the capture of 24 cats and a subsequent protest by The HSUS and others, trapping was suspended. Animal advocates asked the Port Authority to stop the trapping permanently, lift the feeding ban, and implement the one-year pilot Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program.
The Humane Society of the United States understands the concerns motivating airport's efforts to remove the cats, but advocates for a long term solution. Advocates of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and Port Authority officials have the same goal: to reduce the numbers of cats at JFK.
The Airport's Flawed Plan
The trap and remove strategy currently supported by airport authorities is unlikely to produce a long-term reduction in the numbers of cats at JFK. Trappers will set out traps without knowledge of the numbers of cats they need to trap. Trap and remove will only result in a temporary reduction in the number of feral cats in a given area, as other cats move in. The cats who remain will continue to reproduce and the endless cycle will continue. Feeding bans don't work to eliminate feral cats, and if enforced, can make the situation worse.
The HSUS believes the best and safest place for pet cats is to reside inside people's homes. However, we also recognize that there are millions of feral cats living outside homes. Effective strategies for permanently reducing the homeless cat population are essential, and TNR, when properly implemented, offers such a solution. TNR improves the quality of life for existing cat colonies, prevents the birth of more cats, and reduces the number of cats over time.
TNR in Action
TNR can accomplish an immediate reduction in the numbers of homeless cats. Tame adult cats and kittens young enough to be socialized are removed for adoption. With TNR and continued monitoring, cats no longer reproduce, nuisance behaviors and complaints are reduced or eliminated and costs are decreased. An added benefit of TNR is that there are volunteers to care for the cats and take action when, and if, newcomers appear.
To support the more effective solutions for reducing the numbers of cats at JFK, HSUS staffers Barbara Dyer and Nancy Peterson joined protesters in front of Port Authority headquarters in Manhattan on Oct. 29. Neighborhood Cats, a New York City-based feral cat advocacy group, is leading the efforts to reduce the numbers of JFK cats through the implementation of a one-year pilot TNR program at JFK.
You can support the Neighborhood Cats efforts by writing cordial letters to the following officials:
Anthony R. Coscia, chairman, Board of Commissioners
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Phone: 732-846-2120 (direct line)
732-846-7600 (this is the general number for Mr. Coscia's law firm)
Fax: 732-846-8877
acoscia@windelsmarx.com
Henry R. Silverman, vice-chairman
Port Authority Board of Commissioners
Realogy Corporation, chairman and CEO
General number: 973-407-2000
henry.silverman@realogy.com
Bruce A. Blakeman, New York commissioner
Port Authority Board of Commissioners
Abrams Fensterman, partner
Phone: 516-592-5858
Fax: 516-328-6638
bblakeman@abramslaw.com
Virginia S. Bauer, New Jersey commissioner
Port Authority Board of Commissioners
Mack-Cali Realty Corporation, vice president
General number: 732-590-1000
General fax: 732-205-8237
vbauer@mack-cali.com
Port Authority Corporate Headquarters
212-435-7000
212-435-7777
Susan Baer, general manager JFK Airport
718-244-3501
718-244-3773
E-mail: sbaer@panynj.gov
Learn about feral cats and how you can help reduce their numbers and improve their quality of life at http://www.humanesociety.org/feralcats.
