DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers are investigating after eight feral cats were found killed around Keehi Small Boat Harbor.
On Oct. 17, staff from DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation discovered a feral cat floating near a pier at the Keehi Small Boat Harbor — and it appeared to be decapitated.
Next, on Oct. 29, the bodies of another seven cats were found at Keehi Small Boat Harbor with injuries that did not appear to be natural, according to a news release.
DOBOR Administrator Meghan Statts described the killings as “cruel and inhumane behavior” and emphasized they are against the law.
Officials found many of the deceased cats near piles of food that someone had spread on the ground or pavement. Statts noted that feeding animals, including feral cats, is against the law at Keehi and other small boat harbors.
“The reason DOBOR implemented rules prohibiting feeding of feral animals is that cats are known to spread the disease toxoplasmosis, which can be deadly for critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals,” said Statts in a news release. “Boat harbors are not appropriate places for cat colonies and while the feeding may be well-intentioned, people need to realize they could be contributing to the deaths of one of Hawaii's iconic marine mammals.”
Now, DOCARE officers are conducting regular patrols at Keehi harbor. Officials ask anyone with information on these incidents to report anonymously on the DLNRTip app or by calling the DOCARE hotline at 643-DLNR (3-5-6-7).