Recently Miami-Dade County Commissioners and the Park & Recreation Department strengthened existing regulations designed to protect our wildlife and natural areas (chapter 26 revision). The new rules prohibit the dumping and feeding of animals (including unwanted cats) in County parks, and impose fines of $100-200 for violations. These rules also require the Park & Recreation Department to monitor wildlife in parks and determine when there are populations of nuisance animals that could cause public health threats or hurt wildlife that are struggling to survive and unable to speak for themselves.
However, supporters of managed cat colonies are applying great political pressure on County Commissioners and the Park & Recreation Department to allow cat colonies to remain and expand in our County parks. UNLESS YOU ACT TODAY, these special interest groups will dictate policy for all of us, and cause more loss of our wildlife from our natural areas, and place public health at risk! WE URGE YOU to contact your County Commissioners, the Director of the Park & Recreation Department and Mayor Penelas TODAY! Please call, fax, or e-mail their offices and tell them you dont want what is left of our wildlife to bear the burden placed by irresponsible pet owners.
In addition, download and make copies of the attached letters (resolution letters), sign and either mail, fax or e-mail them to your County Commissioners, the Director of the Park & Recreation Department and Mayor Penelas TODAY! (contact information)
WE ALSO URGE YOU to give copies of the letters to as many other people as possible, and urge them to sign and send them in as well. Without a massive show of public support, the Commissioners and Park & Recreation Department will not be able to do the will of the majority and protect and preserve our wildlife, our parks and our natural heritage. Lets show our officials we care about public health and our natural wildlife, and help rescue our natural areas.
Thank you for caring,
Natural Areas Coalition of South Florida
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