[BCNnet] Sanctioning of Free-roaming Cats

Donald R. Dann donniebird@yahoo.com
Fri, 29 Aug 2003 10:49:25 -0500


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BCN friends –

Organizations that sponsor the maintenance of feral cat colonies via ‘trap,
neuter, and release’, TNR, are actively attempting to get legislative
authority for having a TNR program in McHenry County.  The McHenry County
Board will be taking up the subject at a meeting on September 10th.  I have
drafted the following letter, which I plan to send to all 24 Board members,
the email addresses for whom can be found via McHenry County’s website,
http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/CountyBrd/default.asp.  By clicking the word
bio, you get the person’s email address.

If all BCN people could write a similar letter, but in their own words, it
would be very helpful.  Please do so, even if it is no more than “Please
vote against the establishment of a feral cat colony in McHenry County.”

Thanks very much.

Donald R. Dann
60 Ravinoaks Lane
Highland Park, IL 60035
Ph/Fax: 847-266-2222
Cell: 847-997-1011
Email:  donniebird@yahoo.com <mailto:donniebird@yahoo.com>




Dear Richard Klasen:

This is regarding McHenry County's proposed trial of a Trap, Neuter, and
Release (TNR) program for feral cat colonies.

Strong scientific studies have documented the loss of native birds and other
wildlife, including endangered species, to outdoor cats, with numbers
totaling at least in the hundreds of millions of animals a year.  One of the
most serious and persistent problems in this regard is the feral cat
colonies maintained by organizations like Alley Cat Allies, Operation
Catnip, and others.  They urge a program of trap, neuter, release, or TNR,
reasoning that in time, these colonies will diminish because of natural
mortality.  Here are the facts:

*        Feral cat colonies do not go away, but only continue to expand and
devastate native species where they are allowed.  For example, a scientific
study of cat colonies in two parks in Florida found that the number of cats
in one colony stayed relatively stable over 13 months, but the other colony
actually increased in size.  It is now common to hear of "managed" cat
colonies that have been in existence for 10 or more years.

*        Cats are not native, and even if well-fed will kill because it is
instinctive for them to do so.  There are no scientific studies that prove
that cats kill less prey just because they are well fed.

*        Allowing cats to roam free is bad for the cats as they are subject
to infectious disease, fights with dogs and other cats, and are killed by
cars.

*        Cats kept indoors typically live from 15 to 17 years, while those
allowed to roam free have an average lifespan of 3 to 5 years.

Most importantly, passing such a law allowing for the maintenance of a feral
cat colony is probably contrary to Federal Wildlife protection laws, such as
the Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  Local governments
that legalize TNR efforts may also be found liable if someone contracts a
serious illness such as cat scratch fever or toxoplasmosis from cats in a
colony.  People with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to
these diseases, which can cause their death.

Many groups oppose TNR, including American Bird Conservancy, The Wildlife
Society, National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, The
American Ornithologist's Union, Cooper Ornithological Society, Association
of Avian Veterinarians, and American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians.
The U.S. Department of Navy passed a policy prohibiting TNR on Navy lands.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has just acted
"to protect native wildlife from predation, disease, and other impacts
presented by feral and free-ranging cats" by ruling that colonies (such as
the one McHenry County is contemplating allowing) should be humanely ended.
McHenry County should do no less.

                                                Sincerely




                                                Donald R. Dann





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<body lang=3DEN-US link=3Dblue vlink=3Dpurple =
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<div class=3DSection1>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:14.0pt'><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
10.0pt'>BCN friends &#8211;<o:p></o:p></span></span></font></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:14.0pt'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span><o:p></o:p></font></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:14.0pt'><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
10.0pt'>Organizations that sponsor the maintenance of feral cat colonies =
via &#8216;trap,
neuter, and release&#8217;, TNR, are actively attempting to get =
legislative authority
for having a TNR program in McHenry County.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>The McHenry County Board will be taking up the =
subject at a
meeting on September 10<sup>th</sup>.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes">&nbsp;
</span>I have drafted the following letter, which I plan to send to all =
24
Board members, the email addresses for whom can be found via McHenry =
County&#8217;s
website, <a =
href=3D"http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/CountyBrd/default.asp">http://www.co.=
mchenry.il.us/CountyBrd/default.asp</a>.
<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</span>By clicking the word =
<u>bio</u>, you
get the person&#8217;s email address.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></font></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:14.0pt'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span><o:p></o:p></font></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:14.0pt'><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
10.0pt'>If all BCN people could write a similar letter, but in their own =
words,
it would be very helpful.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; =
</span>Please
do so, even if it is no more than &#8220;Please vote against the =
establishment of a
feral cat colony in McHenry County.&#8221;<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes">&nbsp;
</span><span style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></font></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:14.0pt'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span><o:p></o:p></font></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:14.0pt'><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
10.0pt'>Thanks very much.<o:p></o:p></span></span></font></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:14.0pt'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span><o:p></o:p></font></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Donald
R. Dann</span></span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;
mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>60
Ravinoaks Lane</span></span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;
mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Highland
Park, IL 60035</span></span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;
mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Ph/Fax:
847-266-2222</span></span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;
mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Cell:
847-997-1011</span></span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;
mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Email:<span
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span><a =
href=3D"mailto:donniebird@yahoo.com">donniebird@yahoo.com</a></span></spa=
n></font><span
class=3DEmailStyle15><font color=3Dblack> <o:p></o:p></font></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:14.0pt'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span><o:p></o:p></font></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Dear Richard =
Klasen:</span></span></font></span><span
class=3Demailstyle190><font color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span></font></span><span
class=3Demailstyle190><font color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>This is regarding McHenry County's =
proposed
trial of a Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) program for feral cat =
colonies.</span></span></font></span><span
class=3Demailstyle190><font color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span></font></span><span
class=3Demailstyle190><font color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Strong scientific studies have =
documented the
loss of native birds and other wildlife, including endangered species, =
to
outdoor cats, with numbers totaling at least in the hundreds of millions =
of
animals a year.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; =
</span></span></span></font></span><span
class=3Demailstyle190><font color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
13.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>One of the most serious and =
persistent
problems in this regard is the feral cat colonies maintained by =
organizations
like Alley Cat Allies, Operation Catnip, and others.<span =
style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>They urge a program of trap, neuter, release, or TNR,
reasoning that in time, these colonies will diminish because of natural
mortality.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Here are the =
facts:</span></font></span><span
class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D1 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
7.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> </span></font></span><span
class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D1 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
7.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p>=
</span></font></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D1 =
color=3Dblack
face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:7.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span></font></span><span
class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D1 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
7.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p>=
</span></font></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;
tab-stops:list .5in'><![if !supportLists]><span =
class=3Demailstyle190><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3DSymbol><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
13.5pt;font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-colo=
r-alt:
windowtext'>=B7<font size=3D1 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font:7.0pt "Times New =
Roman"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span></font></span></font></span><![endif]><span =
class=3Demailstyle190><font
color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black'>Feral cat colonies <u>do not</u> go away, but only continue =
to
expand and devastate native species where they are allowed.<span
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>For example, a scientific =
study of cat
colonies in two parks in Florida found that the number of cats in one =
colony
stayed relatively stable over 13 months, but the other colony actually
increased in size.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>It is =
now
common to hear of &quot;managed&quot; cat colonies that have been in =
existence
for 10 or more years.</span></font></span><span =
class=3Demailstyle190><font
color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:13.5pt;font-family:
Arial;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span></font></span><span
class=3Demailstyle190><font color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
13.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p=
></span></font></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;
tab-stops:list .5in'><![if !supportLists]><span =
class=3Demailstyle190><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3DSymbol><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Symbol;
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=B7<font=
 size=3D1
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font:7.0pt "Times New =
Roman"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span></font></span></font></span><![endif]><span =
class=3Demailstyle190><font
color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial;color:black'>Cats are not
native, and even if well-fed will kill because it is instinctive for =
them to do
so.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>There are no =
scientific
studies that prove that cats kill less prey just because they are well =
fed.</span></font></span><span
class=3Demailstyle190><font color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span></font></span><span
class=3Demailstyle190><font color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;
tab-stops:list .5in'><![if !supportLists]><span =
class=3Demailstyle190><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3DSymbol><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Symbol;
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=B7<font=
 size=3D1
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font:7.0pt "Times New =
Roman"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span></font></span></font></span><![endif]><span =
class=3Demailstyle190><font
color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial;color:black'>Allowing
cats to roam free is bad for the cats as they are subject to infectious
disease, fights with dogs and other cats, and are killed by =
cars.</span></font></span><span
class=3Demailstyle190><font color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span></font></span><span
class=3Demailstyle190><font color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;
tab-stops:list .5in'><![if !supportLists]><span =
class=3Demailstyle190><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3DSymbol><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Symbol;
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=B7<font=
 size=3D1
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font:7.0pt "Times New =
Roman"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span></font></span></font></span><![endif]><span =
class=3Demailstyle190><font
color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial;color:black'>Cats kept
indoors typically live from 15 to 17 years, while those allowed to roam =
free
have an average lifespan of 3 to 5 years.</span></font></span><span
class=3Demailstyle190><font color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span></font></span><span
class=3Demailstyle190><font color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Most importantly, passing such a law =
allowing
for the maintenance of a feral cat colony is probably contrary to =
Federal
Wildlife protection laws,&nbsp;such as&nbsp;the Endangered Species Act =
and
Migratory Bird Treaty Act.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; =
</span>Local
governments that legalize TNR efforts may also be found liable if =
someone
contracts a serious illness such as cat scratch fever or toxoplasmosis =
from
cats in a colony.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>People =
with compromised
immune systems are especially vulnerable to these diseases, which can =
cause
their death.</span></span></font></span><span =
class=3Demailstyle190><font
color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span></font></span><span
class=3Demailstyle190><font color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Many groups oppose TNR, including =
American
Bird Conservancy, The Wildlife Society, National Association of State =
Public
Health Veterinarians, The American Ornithologist's Union, Cooper =
Ornithological
Society, Association of Avian Veterinarians, and American Association of
Wildlife Veterinarians.&nbsp; The U.S. Department of Navy passed a =
policy
prohibiting TNR on Navy lands.&nbsp; </span></span></font></span><span
class=3Demailstyle190><font color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span></font></span><span
class=3Demailstyle190><font color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Demailstyle190><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>The =
</span></span></font></span><font
color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black'>Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has =
just
acted &quot;to protect native wildlife from predation, disease, and =
other
impacts presented by feral and free-ranging cats&quot; by ruling that =
colonies
(such as the one McHenry County is contemplating allowing) should be =
humanely
ended.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>McHenry County =
should do no
less.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><span
style=3D'mso-tab-count:5'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp=
;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&=
nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&n=
bsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Sincerely<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span
style=3D'mso-tab-count:5'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp=
;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&=
nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&n=
bsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></font><font
color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black'>Donald R. Dann<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle19><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:14.0pt'><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
10.0pt'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes">&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></font></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle19><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:13.5pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:14.0pt'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span><o:p></o:p></font></span></p>

</div>

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