Save The Cats!!
Harriet Somerville is vehemently against John Mackenzie's petition for a cat ban. Here is a pdf of her case to save the cats.
Please consider both sides of the argument and sign the petition for or against it.
The views presented by either party do not necessarily represent the views of the RRPA committee.
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7 comments:
Thanks Harriet,
I agree with you 127%! If this cat ban is allowed to proceed the values of our properties are going to fall drastically.
I hope more people think this through the way you did.
I totally support her view and would vigorously oppose any attempt to ban family cats and dogs from Rakino.
From time to time, individuals who may have in the past contributed great work to Rakino and who may still have good intentions, ooze enthusiasm in their wish to impose their particular " beliefs " upon the rest of us, ( in this case " protect birds and ban cats " ) . In my view they are not only compromising their own future credibility with displays of narrow thinking, but risk portraying themselves as zealots! Fortunately in this instance they have succeeded only in awakening the usually " dozing / free wheeling yet powerful silent majority " whom I believe will collectively stand up, yawn and stretch, then oppose any silly petition to ban / restrict family pets from Rakino .....before returning to a warm sunny spot on the deck with a good book !!
Remember the dog wags the tail.....the tail doesn't wag the dog !!
Loved Harriet's message on the cats. Sock it to em!
Hear hear
Hear, hear also
Hi all. I wondered if there was another way around this whole seemingly “contentious” issue and rang DoC.
Bill Trusewich is the Community Relations person at DoC’s North Head offices.
He was unaware of the proposal to ban cats, although was aware of the good work re rat eradication on Rakino.
He was a little surprised at the proposal that cats should be banned on the island – domestic cats wearing bells and being kept in at night (hunting time) would suffice, he thought. Perhaps that’s an acceptable solution?
Bill indicated DoC has no interest in Rakino other than in their two reserves and believed it would be a Forest & Bird concern. Translocation of endangered species is an expensive and time consuming exercise and would have to be approved by various Recovery Groups. He did not see Rakino as being top of the list, especially when Rangitoto, Motutapu and Motuhui are better suited.
It seems there are numerous organisations who would need to get involved and no doubt John MacKenzie will know who they are – Hauraki Gulf Forum (re Hauraki Gulf Marine Park); Auckland Regional Council, Auckland City, Forest and Bird, etc., etc..
We remain concerned that longer term the initial banning of cats could lead to further restrictions re dogs on the island which would represent a real threat to our lifestyle and enjoyment of Rakino.
Rakino has been our holiday home on and off for some 20 years with my parents and, though
we would not bring our cat over ( whom we love dearly ) we would not impose this on anyone else.
Animals can be of great comfort ( especially cats) as they are easy to care for and resonably independent.
I would suggest that on Rakino , perhaps all the more reason to have a "friend" when we all know how lonely
the island can be if you are a permanent resident ( and possibly in time more and more 'holiday makers"
may choose to live here in retirement, bringing there loved cat / dog / bird with them.
We live in a built up area of Auckland and we are surrounded by bird life - many Tui's / Parakeets / Geese / hens etc, ( Albany)
they all live along-side many cats - so I would suggest cats and birds can live in harmony, and I would like
to think once the decision is made as to whether cats stay or go , we too can all live in harmony.
It would sadden my husband and I to think that this little island of paradise could become a reserve for endangered species,
there are numerous islands that can be utilised, and are, for this very purpose.
Rakino is our little "island in the sun" and that includes the beloved cat.
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