Caymanian Compass – March 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

By Lois Blumenthal

The National Trust, the Humane Society and the Bird Club join in appealing to local citizens to keep their dogs and cats inside during the spring nesting season for wild birds.

Marsh birds such as the Purple Gallinule, Pied-billed Grebe, Whistling Duck, Black-necked Stilt, Least Tern and Green-backed Heron are now nesting on the grasses around our lakes and ponds. These nests contain eggs and young birds that are easy victims to packs of dogs or hungry cats who systematically patrol the areas hunting for food.

Control of the dog and cat population is essential to the well being of our beautiful birds. Please control your pets, and report stray animals to the Humane Society or the Dept. of Agriculture.

Dogs and cats are not a part of the natural ecosystems of the Cayman Islands. They have been brought to the island as pets, and they should be in loving homes where they are fed and cared for. For their own safety, the safety of the public and the preservation of our wildlife, they should not be allowed to roam freely.