The Dove-Myer Robinson Park cat colony is a long standing feature of Fred Ambler Lookout. They have been there for as long as anyone can remember.
This is a managed colony, meaning that all the cats have been desexed, and there is housing, and a daily supply of food. These cats
are all elderly, and within a very few years this colony will vanish naturally. It is disappointing that in its final phase there is the suggestion that they should be moved.
The practice of colony maintenance called TNR, Trap, Neuter, Release, as advocated by the Cat Coalition, is a controversial one.
The Lonely Miaow Association, which has rescued over 7000 cats and kittens from 1400 colonies since 1990, operates an alternative TAR, Trap, Assess, Retain, system. Cats are not returned to a colony situation but instead the majority, 59 per cent, are rehomed.
We would hope that in this situation any friendly cats are rehomed soon, and the others allowed to live out their lives in peace enjoying one of the best views in Auckland.
Peter Dormon
Treasurer
Lonely Miaow Association Inc.
