Resolution Approved by the Board of Directors on Dec. 7, 1997, Regarding Control and Management of Feral and Free-Ranging Domestic Cats:

WHEREAS feral and free-ranging domestic cats (Felis catus) are non-native predators in all habitats in which they occur; and

WHEREAS feral and free-ranging domestic cats exist in significant densities throughout most areas populated by humans, with reliable estimates in the millions for the U.S., and in the billions globally; and

WHEREAS feral and free-ranging domestic cats are exceptional and prolific predators of small mammals, songbirds, small reptiles, large amphibians and large insects; and

WHEREAS feral and free-ranging domestic cats are estimated to kill hundreds of millions of native birds and other small animals annually in the United States; and

WHEREAS it has been estimated that birds represent 20-30% of the prey of feral and free-ranging domestic cats; and

WHEREAS feral cat colony programs, wherein feral cats are captured, trapped, vaccinated, neutered and fed, do not eliminate predation on native wildlife or reduce the size of feral cat colonies; and

WHEREAS bites, scratches, and fecal contamination from feral and free-ranging pet cats pose a risk to the general public through transmission of diseases such as toxoplasmosis, roundworm, and rabies; and

WHEREAS government wildlife agencies are charged with the management, conservation and preservation of native fauna, but few governments have regulations or public policies that restrict or control feral and free-ranging domestic cats; and

WHEREAS scientific research on feral and free-ranging domestic cats has shown that such cats can have a significant, negative impact on bird populations, and

WHEREAS the American Ornithologists' Union, American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians, International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc., and the Cooper Ornithological Society have concluded that feral and free-ranging domestic cats can have a significant negative impact on bird populations; and

WHEREAS the American Bird Conservancy has concluded that feral free-ranging domestic cats can have a significant impact on local bird populations; and

WHEREAS the American Bird Conservancy has initiated a national campaign to limit the impacts of free-ranging and feral domestic cats on bird populations;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the National Audubon Society recognizes the science-based conclusions of the adverse impact of feral and free-ranging domestic cats on birds and other wildlife; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Audubon Society will convey such science-based conclusions to its chapters so that they, if they so wish, will be in a position to advocate that local and state wildlife agencies, public health organizations and legislative bodies restrict and regulate the maintenance and movement of feral and free-ranging domestic cats out-of-doors and to support programs to vaccinate cats and to neuter or spay cats; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Audubon Society and such chapters as shall so wish, will work with the scientific, conservation, and animal welfare communities to educate the public about the dangers that feral and free-ranging domestic cats pose to birds and other native wildlife; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Audubon Society will work on this issue with such federal wildlife agencies, public health organizations and legislative as the Society shall deem appropriate.