Austin Audubon would like to weigh in on the feral cat issue in Austin and the proposed trap/neuter/release program.

Let me start by saying we are not anti-cat. Many of our members own cats and love and treat them as members of their family. But, a cat, feral or pet, roaming the neighborhood IS NOT, in any way whatsoever, a part of our natural ecosystem. Whether they are well fed or not, cats kill many millions (and some estimate billions) of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians in the United States every year, and an undisputed 70 percent of these predations are blamed on feral cats.

We agree with the police department that no changes should be made to Austin’s existing animal ordinances. We also welcome an opportunity to help educate the public on all aspects of the feral cat situation and to work with the Humane Society towards a solution that benefits both cats and native wildlife.

Leslie Meyer, Austin Audubon