Public Advisory: Provincial Government Working to Ensure Humane Treatment of Feral Cats

  • Fisheries and Land Resources

December 10, 2019

With relocation of residents from Little Bay Islands underway, the Provincial Government is working collaboratively with a private veterinarian to ensure feral cats in the community are safely trapped, assessed by qualified professionals and, if necessary, euthanized in a humane manner. Animals considered good candidates for adoption will be brought to an animal shelter.

Feral cats on Little Bay Islands have survived by scavenging from residents. With residents leaving the community and food supplies eliminated, these animals would eventually starve to death or suffer from disease and lack of veterinarian care, even if they were spayed/neutered, treated for disease, and released.

Adult feral cats are poor candidates for successful adoption because they will not interact with people, cannot be picked up or handled safely, and do not have the necessary skills to fend for themselves or survive without human help. Most feral cats live fewer than two or three years in unsupported environments, but by this time have produced many offspring who will also become feral.

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Media contact
Linda Skinner
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca

2019 12 10 9:55 am