LETTERS: Feral cats and electric cars

Two voices on feral cat issue

I want to present accurate information on the issue of the Brookhaven Town Board's rejection of an extension to a present law that would prohibit people from feeding feral cats in town preserves and parks . One of the speakers opposing the proposed amendments listed all the causes for bird population decline, saying that feral cats were not responsible - which is false. Scientists now list invasive species, including cats, as the second most serious threat to bird populations worldwide.

Another speaker said that hungry cats would kill more birds. But healthy, well-fed cats actually kill more birds because they are more capable.

What Supervisor Mark Lesko suggested was that more information was needed before passing the measure. The feral cat supporters wanted a solution other than an immediate feeding ban, which they would support if the cats were placed somewhere else.

The important fact that was not emphasized enough was that cats do not belong outside with wildlife. Some proponents of trap, neuter and release programs think that this is the way to reduce the numbers of outdoor cats. But the American Bird Conservancy and National Audubon Society do not support TNR because these programs have proven to be ineffective at reducing the size of feral cat colonies.

Peggy Maslow

Port Washington

Editor's note: The writer is president of the North Shore Audubon Society.

Kudos to the Brookhaven Town Board for backing off a proposed law to make it illegal to feed feral cats in town preserves and parks. To those of us who feed and care for them, it's a great pleasure to help God's creatures. To the speaker who calls them "an invasive and nonnative species," he should visit a colony with a regular feeder and see the relationship that has evolved.

I, as a feeder, don't believe in the trap, neuter and release program. With food, love and patience, these cats can be caught humanely and tamed, and then give more love and gratitude than is imaginable. I have rescued 15 ferals and found them homes. Perhaps those who don't want to allow feeding would like to visit the four I've kept and watch them purr with happiness, reach up to their owner and "give kisses." Do any rare bird species do this?

Debbie Haupert

Nesconset

Let's get rolling on a viable electric car

The drive toward a viable electric car in America has been stalled in low gear for too long. Tax credits could jumpstart production . I was lucky enough to be part of New York State's electric experiment that ended in 2004. By the time I returned my all-electric Ford Think, I had driven it 6,666 miles. For those who say the "e-cars" are not fast enough, mine cruised on highways at 55 mph, which is faster than our government has been moving. For those who claim the cars do not travel far enough on a charge, I routinely made it between 55 and 70 miles, which is plenty for normal city driving. Government cannot be neutral on this issue. It is time to shift out of reverse and get into high gear.

Bruce M. Resch

East Meadow