Animal lovers and compassionate citizens, we face an urgent crisis at PortMiami where hundreds of community cats are starving due to a sudden feeding ban. This heartbreaking situation has personally touched me, as I have been involved in the care and well-being of these cats, many of whom have become like family to me. Cats that once thrived under the ports’ previous feeding arrangements are now left hungry and vulnerable.

This misguided decision not only condemns these innocent animals to slow starvation but also shatters the essential spay and neuter (TNVR - Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) programs that have proven to be successful in managing and reducing stray cat populations humanely and effectively. Studies have shown that TNVR is a socially responsible and economically feasible management strategy that benefits both humans and animals.

According to The Humane Society, TNVR programs typically lead to a 66% reduction in the community cat population over a 10-year period. Without the option to feed these cats, caregivers can no longer maintain these vital programs, which means uncontrolled breeding and more suffering cats in the future.

We urge Mayor Daniela Levine Cava to reconsider the feeding ban and implement a structured feeding and TNVR program. Such a program will ensure that these community cats receive the care they deserve—keeping them healthy, reducing their numbers through humane practices, and maintaining harmony between the cats and PortMiami operations.

Mayor Cava has been a champion of humane solutions and can lead the way in setting an example for other communities facing similar issues. By signing this petition, you are standing with us in advocating for a compassionate and practical solution that acknowledges both the welfare of the animals and the functioning of PortMiami.

Together, we can pave the way for positive change and ensure that no animal suffers from hunger and neglect. Please sign the petition to make a difference today for our community cats at PortMiami.