A new law in Hawaii County, set to take effect at the start of the new year, prohibits the feeding of feral animals on county property, sparking outrage among cat lovers who fear the ban will harm feral cat populations and hinder ongoing population control efforts. The law aims to protect native species, particularly the endangered nene goose, from feral cats, which are considered a significant predator introduced to the islands centuries ago.

The feeding ban has ignited a debate over the ethical considerations of managing invasive species and the potential consequences for animal welfare. Liz Swan, a long-time feral cat feeder on the Big Island, expressed her opposition to the ban, stating, "I don't believe the cats should be exterminated at the expense of the nene. They're both living creatures." Swan and other cat advocates argue that the ban will not only lead to increased suffering among feral cats but also undermine trap-neuter-release (TNR) programs designed to control the population humanely.

The introduction of non-native species, like cats, to island ecosystems often disrupts the delicate balance of nature. In Hawaii, the nene goose, a species unique to the islands, faces threats from various sources, including habitat loss and predation. Feral cats, descendants of domestic cats brought to the islands, prey on native birds, including the nene, contributing to their endangered status. The conflict highlights the complex challenges of conservation in environments altered by human activity.

Opponents of the ban contend that it will force cats to hunt more actively for food, potentially increasing their impact on native wildlife. They also argue that the ban will make it more difficult to trap cats for TNR programs, which rely on consistent feeding schedules to attract the animals. The effectiveness of TNR programs in controlling feral cat populations is a subject of ongoing debate, with some studies suggesting that they can be effective when implemented comprehensively and consistently.

The exact number of feral cats on the Big Island is unknown, but estimates suggest there are tens of thousands, with dense colonies in certain areas supported by human feeding. The new law represents an attempt by the county to address the ecological impact of these cats, but it faces strong opposition from those who prioritize the welfare of the animals. The implementation of the ban and its effects on both the nene population and the feral cat population will be closely monitored in the coming months.