Letter from Victoria Natural History Society Re: Implementation of Cat Licensing

Re: Implementation of Cat Licensing

I am writing on behalf of the Board of the Victoria Natural History Society, a completely volunteer-run organization that has been a part of the community since 1944 and currently has over 750 members. The Society has three main objectives: to stimulate active interest in natural history; to study and protect flora and fauna and their habitats; and, to work with other societies and like bodies having common interests. Our organization hopes to convince Council that it is time for the District to adopt animal control regulations such those of other Canadian cities, including Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, and Toronto, as well as many other smaller communities.

Historically, dogs, but not cats, have been covered by local animal control regulations, and many people fail to spay or neuter their cats or keep them indoors. Cats that roam free, whether owned, stray, or feral, often lead short, traumatic, and painful lives. They also kill birds and other wildlife, and spread disease to other cats, wildlife, and humans. For these reasons, communities are increasingly recognizing the importance of extending responsible pet requirements to cover cats as well. Cat licensing, as well as control and restraint ordinances, helps to ensure that cats receive the care and protection they deserve. Progressive provisions found in ordinances include the following requirements:

• Mandatory spay/neuter of all cats over six months of age, unless owner purchases annual intact permit and/or breeders permit. Medical exemptions can be offered;
• Requirement for all cats to be licensed and vaccinated against rabies; and
• Cats must be confined to their owner’s property or physically restrained when off the premises.

A good example of such a bylaw is Calgary and I include some links to their website for your consideration.

http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Pages/Animal-Services/Responsible-pet-ownership-bylaw.aspx http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Pages/Animal-Services/Keeping-cats-indoors.aspx

Cat overpopulation is a human-caused tragedy that affects the health and well-being of cats, our native wildlife, and the public. Outdoor cats, even well-fed ones, kill hundreds of millions of wild birds and other animals each year in North America, including endangered species. Our region includes many species that are rare and endangered, and several of these are extremely vulnerable to cat predation. As part of our role as stewards of this biological diversity, we should be doing all we can to preserve and protect our region’s wildlife. Cat licensing and responsible pet ownership would be a step in the right direction.

I look forward to seeing action taken on this item.

Sincerely,

Philip Lambert, President, Victoria Natural History Society