The Great Feral Cat Debate

Today in counties throughout Wisconsin there is a debate that will help shape the future of the feral cat in the Badger State.   On this blog we’ve previously discussed briefly the feral cat predicament facing the outdoors in many states.   But in Wisconsin, unlike in Minnesota where a “ditch cougar” is fair game…the laws need to be changed on the books so these critters can be removed to prevent their marauding ways in the outdoors.

The devastation caused by a feral or house cat gone wild is well documented by many sources.   Unfortunately, these cats become so adept at killing that their impact on song birds as well as game birds is noticeable and hard to defend.

Still, I find it somewhat odd how this big debate is going on in Wisconsin over something that in Minnesota we often take for granted.   Fact is, in Minnesota if we are hunting and come across a collarless cat it gives us every reason to make it a dead cat.

However, in Wisconsin it is not that simple.   Seems Wisconsin has a system where the Wisconsin Conservation Congress meets and takes a vote on issues that get recommended to the DNR for rule or legislative action.   Tonight, there is expected to be lots of emotion flowing as cat-lovers likely will show their support for the feline killers.   On the opposite side, sportsmen are also passionate about having the right to kill the cats by having them removed from the protected animal lists.

What this all comes down to is wildlife management at its best.   When populations get out of hand nature needs to either take its course or mankind needs to play his/her part in controlling the species that otherwise does not get controlled.   In this case, the feral cat has few enemies to keep populations in check…but lots of opportunity to wreak havoc on the environment.

Ultimately, it will be interesting to see what happens in Wisconsin after this evening.   This is a debate that has been in the national spotlight ever since it was first proposed several weeks ago.   In fact, the issue has fueled the passions of both sides who feel strongly the cats should either be left alone or controlled by any means available.

So often we as sportsman find ourselves in a position of having to reduce numbers on one species of animal for the betterment of many others.   It’s hard to understand why the bleeding hearts can’t see that killing one cat will allow many other creatures to live and thrive.   But no, when it comes to mankind intervening in some way to make this happen…we become the murderers and the inhumane.

For my money, the folks who are truly inhumane are the ones who would stand in the way of seeing the feral cat de-listed to unprotected status in Wisconsin.   These cats are not "fluffy" who gets their food from a Whiskers cannister served in a crystal dish.   Nope, these are cruel kittys that have long since lost any domesticated connections to a farm or home.

© 2005 Jim Braaten.  All Rights Reserved.   No Reproduction without Prior Permission.