We are calling on the Cayman Islands Government and the Department of Environment to immediately halt the shooting of feral cats and replace it with humane, evidence-based population management.

Protecting native wildlife is critical — but lethal population control has not been shown to provide lasting solutions to feral cat populations and does not address the root issue: uncontrolled breeding. When cats are removed without sterilization programs in place, new unneutered populations quickly move into the area, creating a continuous cycle known as the “vacuum effect.”

International veterinary and animal welfare authorities recognize that the most effective long-term approach is targeted Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), expanded spay/neuter access, community education, and strategic wildlife protection — including habitat barriers and managed sanctuary areas where necessary.

It has also been publicly reported that free or volunteer spay/neuter clinics in Cayman were previously blocked or discontinued, eliminating the most effective prevention tool we had, while lethal measures are now being framed as the only option.

Protecting biodiversity and practicing humane population management are not opposing goals — they must exist together for either to succeed.

We therefore call for:
• An immediate suspension of shooting as a management method  
• Expanded access to free or subsidized spay/neuter services across all islands  
• Territory-wide implementation of TNR programs  
• Targeted protection of vulnerable nesting sites using non-lethal deterrents and habitat management  
• Public transparency regarding population and conservation data

Cayman can protect its environment without abandoning humane, science-based solutions.