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- Title
A science-based policy for managing free-roaming cats.
- Authors
Lepczyk, Christopher A.; Duffy, David C.; Bird, David M.; Calver, Michael; Cherkassky, Dmitry; Cherkassky, Linda; Dickman, Christopher R.; Hunter, David; Jessup, David; Longcore, Travis; Loss, Scott R.; Loyd, Kerrie Anne T.; Marra, Peter P.; Marzluff, John M.; Noss, Reed F.; Simberloff, Daniel; Sizemore, Grant C.; Temple, Stanley A.; van Heezik, Yolanda
- Abstract
Free-roaming domestic cats (i.e., cats that are owned or unowned and are considered 'at large') are globally distributed non-native species that have marked impacts on biodiversity and human health. Despite clear scientific evidence of these impacts, free-roaming cats are either unmanaged or managed using scientifically unsupported and ineffective approaches (e.g., trap-neuter-release [TNR]) in many jurisdictions around the world. A critical first initiative for effective, science-driven management of cats must be broader political and legislative recognition of free-roaming cats as a non-native, invasive species. Designating cats as invasive is important for developing and implementing science-based management plans, which should include efforts to prevent cats from becoming free-roaming, policies focused on responsible pet ownership and banning outdoor cat feeding, and better enforcement of existing laws. Using a science-based approach is necessary for responding effectively to the politically charged and increasingly urgent issue of managing free-roaming cat populations.
- Subjects
CATS; INTRODUCED species; FERAL cats; LAW enforcement
- Publication
Biological Invasions, 2022, Vol 24, Issue 12, p3693
- ISSN
1387-3547
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s10530-022-02888-2