I was dismayed recently to read that the City of Duncan is considering a bylaw banning the feeding of feral cats. I fail to understand how this could possibly be considered a good idea.
These poor creatures already have a difficult life without this. Admittedly uncontrolled feral cat colonies can be problematic, therefore Duncan should be grateful that caring individuals and Cowichan Cat Rescue work so hard to trap, neuter and return (TNR) these cats. Once returned they are fed to maintain their health. Managed feral cat colonies perform a valuable service by keeping the rodent population under control. The city should, in fact, be funding CCR so that they can focus on controlling feral cats and not fundraising.
I will continue to care for a small colony of (TNR) cats living behind an apartment block and bordering a couple of overgrown back lots — normally prime rat country. Thankfully the management of the building recognizes the benefits of a managed colony. They are fed daily by me or a resident helper. And there is no rat problem that I know of. So consider this: you can have rats, or you can have cats. Your choice.
(I travel to Duncan twice daily as a lab courier.)
Ernie Christmas
Victoria