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Location
Saratoga Springs, NY
Start Date
4-5-2009 12:00 AM
Description
Feral cats (Felis catus) have been present at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) for approximately five years. Feral cats pose several zoonotic health risks, impact native wildlife, and interfere with airport operations. At the request of airport staff, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services conducted a cat-trapping effort between November 2007 and December 2008. Cats were live-trapped and surrendered to local animal control services where they were vaccinated, micro-chipped, and offered up for adoption. Due to the history of the colony, local cat advocacy groups expressed discontent with the removal efforts. The controversial removals draw attention to the need to provide safe travel and work environments while being mindful of public image. Based on the needs and sensitivity of the issue we review viable options for conducting similar removal efforts.
Recommended Citation
Waddell, J., Francoeur, L., & Humberg, L. (2009) Removal of feral cat colonies from John F. Kennedy international airport: Operational, biological and social challenges. In Boulanger, J. (Ed.), The Thirteenth Wildlife Damage Management Conference (265). Saratoga Springs, NY: Thirteenth WDM Conference.
Included in
Removal of Feral Cat Colonies from John F. Kennedy International Airport: Operational, Biological and Social Challenges
Saratoga Springs, NY
Feral cats (Felis catus) have been present at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) for approximately five years. Feral cats pose several zoonotic health risks, impact native wildlife, and interfere with airport operations. At the request of airport staff, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services conducted a cat-trapping effort between November 2007 and December 2008. Cats were live-trapped and surrendered to local animal control services where they were vaccinated, micro-chipped, and offered up for adoption. Due to the history of the colony, local cat advocacy groups expressed discontent with the removal efforts. The controversial removals draw attention to the need to provide safe travel and work environments while being mindful of public image. Based on the needs and sensitivity of the issue we review viable options for conducting similar removal efforts.