Surfbirds News

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is one of America’s oldest and largest veterinary associations. Its objective is the advancement of veterinary medicine, including its relationship to public health, biological science, and agriculture. In November 2004, the AVMA issued a new position statement on stray and feral cats that represented a significant strengthening of its stance in favor of birds and other wildlife. No longer can advocates of TNR (the practice of trapping feral cats, neutering them, and then releasing them back into the wild into so-called ‘managed’ colonies) claim that the AVMA supports their actions. The AVMA neither endorses nor opposes the practice.

The Association clearly states that free-roaming cats represent a significant factor in wildlife mortality, and pose a disease risk for the public. They even go as far as to say, "All free-roaming abandoned and feral cats that are not in managed colonies should be removed from their environment and treated in the same manner as other abandoned and stray animals in accord with local and state ordinances." State and local agencies are also encouraged to adopt ordinances that prevent the establishment of ‘managed’ cat colonies in wildlife-sensitive ecosystems.

Contrary to the continuing assertions of TNR advocates, the AVMA now states, "An insignificant percentage of the total number of unowned free-roaming and feral cats are being managed by humane organizations. Consequently, the reduction in the total number of free-roaming cats these programs will affect is insignificant." The AVMA does, however, encourage the establishment of properly designed and maintained enclosed feral cat sanctuaries, which ABC has endorsed and encouraged for several years. For the full position statement, visit AVMA’s Website at: www.avma.org/policies/animalwelfare.asp#feralcats.