ANIMAL COMPANIONS
O'ahu cats have their own special law
Hawaiian Humane Society
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| This sleepy young feline was found in Waikiki. Humane society employees hope her family will come looking for her at the agency's Cat House.
Hawaiian Humane Society 2003 calendar now available More than 1,000 pet photos are in the 2003 Pets in Paradise calendar from the Hawaiian Humane Society. The colorful volume is 56 pages of collages and 13 months (December 2002 to December 2003). Calendars are $10 each; proceeds help provide care for animals at the agency. Buy calendars at the adoptions counter or phone 946-2187, ext. 213. |
"As domestic animals, cats rely on humans for their care. The law helps ensure the more humane treatment of cats and encourages the community to take responsibility for the well-being of cats," said Hawaiian Humane Society president Pamela Burns.
The two major points of the law can be summarized this way: All O'ahu cats must wear identification, and all cats (6 months or older) who are allowed outdoors must be sterilized. You can read the law online by clicking on the link to animal-related laws at www.hawaiianhumane.org.
While establishing ownership of these pets, the identification portion of the law also helps lost cats go home again. Stray cats with identification are held at the shelter for nine days, the same as for dogs.
"The longer holding time works alongside the ID requirement to give owners and pets a much better chance to be reunited," Burns said.
Significant results were shown during the first year after the law was enacted. From September 1995 to August 1996, there was a 137 percent increase from the previous year in the number of lost cats returned to their owners. The number continues to rise each year.
Burns said that "One barrier to returning lost cats is well-meaning people who take in a stray cat, not realizing that this may be a lost pet with a family who is anxiously looking" for it.
The other requirement of the law is that any outdoor cat older than 6 months must be neutered. The aim is to reduce O'ahu's cat population problem. The owner of a cat that is not sterilized can be cited. If the owner has the animal neutered within 30 days, the citation is waived; if not, there is a $100 fine.
Through Honolulu's Neuter Now program, cats (and dogs) can be sterilized cheaply at 37 veterinary clinics on O'ahu. A certificate, available at the humane society or at any satellite city hall, allows for sterilization at a cost of $18 for males and $29 for females.
"The Cat Protection Law was enacted to help the community understand our responsibility to our animal companions," Burns said. "Let's work together toward making our island a more humane environment for all animals."
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ADOPTABLES
Milky and Whitey
Tag No. 10285
Tag No. 10286
These handsome brothers are flame-point Siamese who would like to stay together. About 8 months old, they each have personalities and stunning blue eyes.
Candace
Tag No. 09867
Candace is a sweetie — about 18 months old, solid brown, tall and lanky. She gets along with other pets and would like to find a loving home where she will not be left alone all day long.
These particular animals may already have found new homes. Please visit to see all of the wonderful pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society & McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open Mondays-Fridays noon to 8 p.m., and weekends and holidays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The incoming-animals area always is open. If you've lost or found an animal, phone the humane society at 946-2187, ext. 285. Or check out the Web site, www.hawaiianhumane.org.
