Hallway Poll 3

Hallway Poll #3: Cat Killing for Conservation Okay?

Robben Island is best known to most of us as the place where Nelson Mandela spent most of his time in prison. It's come up in world stature since 1998, when it was added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. But oh, the burdens of such accolades. The site now needs a wildlife conservation plan as part of the deal, as the island's rich wildlife population is one of its biggest assets. Site managers say stamping out feral cats, thought to be descendants of prison pets, is key to protecting the island's endangered birds, and 7,000 breeding pairs of African penguins. The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says the ongoing eradication of the estimated 70 cats by sniper fire is inhumane and ought to be stopped. They also say cats aren’t the only suspect in bird deaths, naming tourists, the black mole snake, giant mice, seals, and a theorized pack of flesh-eating bunnies as other possible culprits. Said bird expert Les Underhill of the University of Cape Town, "It's such a stupid idea that it's embarrassing. It's not the rabbits who are responsible. It's the cats." Counters SPCA chief Allen Perrins, "... we have a duty to ensure the welfare of the cats and, for that matter, all animals - wild and domestic, indigenous and exotic." He supports an ongoing trap-and-sterilize program that has so far yielded just eight candidates.

Is taking off the gloves (or the safety, as the case may be) for conservation on Robben Island the wrong choice?

Yes - 11
No - 33