Re: Article "New program gives powers to rescue groups to help control feral cat population," published April 26.
I recently read the article about the new feline plan the City of Greater Sudbury has approved, and then felt very sorry for the population of song birds and other small mammals in this region of Northern Ontario.
A new study shows that cats — especially feral ones — kill far more birds and small mammals than scientists previously thought.
It is funny when dogs are found on the street, they are put up for adoption. If not adopted, they are euthanized. This, however, is not even considered with feral cats? I guess the cats win.
Instead these cats will be allowed to roam free on our property and threaten and terrorize populations of song birds that are already dwindling. It is said song birds may be extinct in 20 years.
It does not surprise me that the City of Greater Sudbury has approved this plan. After all, they continue to make so many bad decisions, just like their provincial and federal counterparts.
Thankfully, there are many nature photographers that are capturing pictures of song birds, squirrels, chipmunks and other wildlife these feral cats will be killing. It is likely in 30 or so years that this will be the only way to know that these creatures ever existed.
These cats are not friendly to the environment or people. Feral cats are strictly destructive like the gypsy moth, zebra mussel or any other invasive species. The only good is that they are spayed or neutered, but even this will not protect the environment. These cats can decimate bird populations.
Feral cats can carry diseases like rabies and other strains of virus that can threaten humans. They are more dangerous than you might think. Should a rabies epidemic occur, how will it be controlled with the felines roaming the region? I do not like these cats on my property and already have three of them every night meowing constantly. I do not know where they come from, but I do know if I let my dog roam free like this, my dog would be captured and I would have to pay a hefty fine to get my dog back.
Yet it is all right for these filthy cats to urinate on my deck and my front stairs. I wonder if I left my garbage out to attract bears if it would scare away the feral cats? It seems this city is on the brink of insanity and stupidity.
Mark Valkama
Sudbury