The Natural Areas Program (NAP) Management Plan, proposed last year by the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, describes the implementation of a publicly funded, 20-year program to operate on public lands in San Francisco, and in some areas adjacent to the city. Its impact in our community will, therefore, be long-lasting. The San Francisco SPCA recognizes the importance of the NAP and has expressed its support for its mission to preserve and enhance San Francisco's natural resources.
The scientific data in the NAP Management Plan regarding feral cats is skewed, since none of it pertains to San Francisco Parks ...
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However, there are some aspects of the NAP, as currently drafted, that are antithetical to The SF/SPCA's own mission to safeguard the lives of homeless cats and dogs, and to advocate for their rights. In particular, The SF/SPCA objects to the inclusion of General Recommendation 7 (GR 7), which singles out feral cats as the only "predators" of birds and wildlife. The Society has attempted, without success, to open a dialogue with the Recreation and Parks Department for the better part of a year. On July 26, at a Recreation and Parks Commission meeting on the NAP at City Hall, the Society was able to address its concerns to the Commission for the first time. Nevertheless, The SF/SPCA is categorized as a consultant in the NAP Management Plan and its name is used without its consent.
The SF/SPCA's opposition to some sections of the NAP is based on the following:
- The Management Plan specifically cites cats, both feral and household pets with outdoor access, as the only "predators" of birds and wildlife, and does not take into account the raccoons, possums, skunks, rodents and birds of prey that are natural predators of birds and their nests. Moreover, many experts consider West Nile virus and loss of habitat to be greater threats to birds than cats, and the threat of avian influenza by migratory birds is an ominous development.
- The scientific data in the NAP Management Plan regarding feral cats is skewed, since none of it pertains to San Francisco Parks, which have benefited for many years from The SF/SPCA's Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) policy. TNR is widely regarded as the most effective and humane method of controlling and reducing feral cat populations; a colony of 50 - 95 feral cats in Golden Gate Park has been reduced over several years to a handful of aging felines.
- The SF/SPCA has been misrepresented in its recommendation that cats be kept in doors. This policy is based on a desire to protect the health and safety of unsupervised cats, not because the Society regards cats as "predators."
On July 26th, because of the large number of people wishing to speak at the meeting, the Commission was not able to hear all the public testimony. A continuance was granted, and the Commission will meet again on Monday, August 21, when it will hear further statements about the NAP.
Since the NAP was first unveiled some of its supporters have mounted campaigns to implement the plan in its initial form, and those groups in the community that are working to protect feral cats, and off-leash dog facilities, have been characterized from some quarters as "wildlife villains." This type of denigration is very unhelpful. Concern for the environment and wildlife, and care for the rights of cats and dogs are not mutually exclusive, and an adversarial position is not constructive. The SF/SPCA wishes to work closely with the Recreation and Parks department and the community to resolve animal issues in our parks. The Society believes that a positive outcome to the NAP Management Plan can be achieved through a spirit of trust, cooperation and understanding.
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