The private veterinarian contracted by the Provincial Government to assess the feral cat population on Little Bay Islands has chosen to withdraw services. The veterinarian has specialized expertise in dealing with feral cats and had intended to travel to Little Bay Islands with a team of individuals to carry out the assessment. The withdrawal occurred this afternoon and is respectfully accepted, as is the right to privacy of the individual concerned, especially in the wake of an extensive outpouring on social media following this morning’s announcement of the plan to assist these animals. The Animal Health Division of Fisheries and Land Resources does not expect to find a suitable replacement veterinarian in the coming weeks.

The welfare of any animal living in a neglected state is an ongoing concern, and feral cats are an issue in communities throughout the province. Government has been working to deal with the feral cats on Little Bay Islands in conjunction with the relocation of residents, as feral cats cannot survive without the assistance of humans. The intention was to ensure feral cats in the community were safely trapped and assessed by qualified professionals to determine whether they are suitable for adoption, or should be euthanized in a humane manner, with animals considered good candidates for adoption brought to animal shelters.

The concerns of people interested in the welfare of these abandoned animals is appreciated, along with the efforts of community groups offering to rehome all of these cats, including feral adult cats. However, veterinarians with the Animal Health Division continue to remind people that adult feral cats are not considered to be suitable for adoption. Feral cats cannot survive without the assistance of humans, and the release of animals into unsupported environments is not recommended.

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