The inhabitants of stray cats on Eulsuk Island, as soon as as excessive as 200, is now estimated at round 70 because of ongoing neutering efforts. Courtesy of the Busan Alliance for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
By OkayTimes
The Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) rejected an utility by the Busan Alliance for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to put in a feeding station for stray cats on Eulsuk Island on the Nakdong River flowing by the southern port metropolis, a choice the group finds tough to simply accept and is making ready to contest.
The CHA made the choice on April 2, citing considerations relating to the potential influence on migratory birds within the space. Emphasizing earlier rejections and the mandated elimination of present feeding stations, the administration pointed to quite a few research indicating vital hurt attributable to cats to native wildlife.
According to the minutes of the assembly, the CHA acknowledged that the request to put in feeding stations for cats, which was already denied, ought to prioritize the elimination of present constructions, as “the injury attributable to cats to migratory birds and different wildlife is important, supported by quite a few home and worldwide research, making it tough to positively assess the set up of feeding stations.”
The organization had initially utilized for a allow to put in feeding stations in 2016, which the CHA denied. Despite this, the organization continued to function the feeding stations in collaboration with native governments.
A cat, rescued from Eulsuk Island, now residing with its adoptive household. Courtesy of the Busan Alliance for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
The CHA ordered all feeding stations to be dismantled, and the areas restored to their unique state. This directive led to the elimination of 15 feeding stations managed by native authorities, whereas 16 stations put in by the organization remained operational.
In response to the CHA’s choice, the alliance offered a petition signed by 15,000 supporters and statements from 129 animal rights organizations advocating for coexistence methods between stray cats and migratory birds on the island. They argued that the CHA has largely ignored their proof and skilled opinions supporting the set up of the feeding stations.
Kim Ae-ra, head of the Busan animal rights alliance, expressed frustration over the dearth of transparency and engagement from the CHA, stating that the explanations for denial are tough to simply accept.
She additionally criticized the CHA for not offering any of the research they referenced in regards to the injury attributable to cats to chicken populations, which led the organization to arrange a proper objection to the choice.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, was translated and edited by The Korea Times.
