Galapagos Islands

[K & L]

This article was in our AzCATs Newsletter! Go AzCATs!!!!

TRAP, NEUTER, RETURN IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
By Emma Clifford

The ships of early explorers came with the cats that were used as rodent catchers and with dogs that were used as hunters. After stopping off at the Galapagos, often to pick up tortoises for food, the explorers abandoned the cats and dogs. The animals adapted to this harsh new environment and continued to breed. Ecuadorians, moving from the mainland to take advantage of the lucrative fishing, brought their own companion animals to the Galapagos. Now fishing restrictions in the newly protected marine areas mean that the islanders need to look toward tourism to make a living.

The island cats and dogs have bred to such numbers in the towns that they now need to be controlled. The Park Service states that they are negatively impacting the native species. The Municipality believes that they discourage tourists. The local community is concerned that they cannot afford to feed them all. Authorities used lethal methods of control in the past which has upset the community. However, Animal Balance has offered to organize a MASH style spay and neuter clinic in May 2004. A crack team of veterinarians, technicians and trappers has been assembled to visit the islands to sterilize the cats and dogs and treat any health issues. The authorities and community are behind this project and have helped design it so that it will work in this unique environment. Animal Balance has signed an agreement with them to work together to solve the problem using humane methods.

AzCATs learned of this project and recognized the urgent need. AzCATs also recognizes this project as an excellent opportunity to demonstrate, in a closed environment, that trap, neuter, return is both humane and effective in the controlling feral cat and dog overpopulation problems. AzCATs has offered to assist with the project, sending personnel and lending equipment!

[Randi]

That's really great news! Thanks for posting it.