Resolution of the AAV regarding stray cats
Meanwhile:
Domestic cats (Felis domesticus) are a non-native, introduced species wherever they occur;
- Stray cats (both strays and owner-occupied cats) demonstrably have a significant impact on local wildlife populations and are a major cause of the decline of Neotropical migratory birds
- Stray cats (both strays and owner-occupied cats) face a multitude of life-threatening dangers and diseases, pose a zoonotic risk to humans, and contribute to the growing problem of cat overpopulation and suffering
- Managed cat colonies do not solve the problems of cat overpopulation and suffering, predation on wildlife, or transmission of zoonotic diseases on
- Veterinarians are ideally suited to provide recommendations and advice on keeping cats indoors as part of a preventive health program for cats, and by offering this service, they can contribute to improved cat welfare
- Veterinarians are increasingly concerned about preventive health care for cats, but are insufficiently trained to advise cat owners on keeping cats indoors as part of a preventive health program
Whereas:
- Promoting veterinary education that emphasizes responsible cat ownership, and supporting local ordinances that include mandatory registration, vaccination, and sterilization, can contribute to a reduction in the number of unwanted stray cats
- The Society of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) strives to conserve species and their natural habitats and has embraced the philosophy that veterinarians should play a leading role in preventive care for the entire planet
It is decided that the AAV:
- Supports Community Initiatives to develop local ordinances that:
- require mandatory sterilization/neutering of all cats older than six months, unless the owner purchases an annual intactness permit and/or breeding permit.
- require that all cats be registered and vaccinated against rabies.
- discourage cat owners from letting their cats roam free.
- Supports the reduction of stray cat numbers through humane capture (with placement in families where possible) by local health services, animal welfare organizations, and animal inspectors.
- Supports actions by government wildlife management agencies, public health agencies, and public and private organizations to humanely ban or eliminate cat colonies on public land and to prevent the formation of feral cat colonies on private land. discourage.
- Will collaborate with veterinary educational institutions and other professional organizations as well as within the AAV to promote awareness, education, and research aimed at reducing the number of domestic and stray cats.
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