Domestic cats are the number one human-associated cause of bird mortality in Canada—and a national conservation group is aiming to address that statistic.
The 2019 State of Canada’s Birds Report shows that the bird population is declining at an alarming rate.
Nature Canada has launched a new campaign aimed at reducing the number of birds killed by cats each year.
Conservationist Ted Chesky says domestic cats were brought over from Europe as pets and for pest control, and have had an impact.
Chesky says an estimated 100- to 300-million birds are killed by cats in Canada each year. The number is closer to one billion in the United States.
He says responsible pet owners have a role to play in what is a complex problem. That’s why Nature Canada has launched an awareness campaign aimed at keeping both cats and birds safe.
He says cats that are kept inside generally live longer.
He says no-roam bylaws can also be effective if enforced properly.
Read the 2019 State of Canada’s Birds report at this link.
Ted Chesky spoke with VOCM News Director Linda Swain. Listen below: