Maine tries to protect birds from cats using taxation.
· Mar 2, 2023 · NottheBee.com

Legislators in Maine are tired of cats killing birds in the state and are aiming to hold owners responsible.

The state's current animal trespass law expressly excludes cats from liability because — well — they're cats.

You can't herd cats.

You might as well try to catch air in a butterfly net.

But that's not stopping Maine Rep. Vicki Doudera from trying to stop them from freely roaming around the state, eating endangered birds like the piping plover.

Francessca Gundrum of the Maine Audubon recalled a piping plover being pulled alive from a cat's mouth this year in Scarborough.

She says that cats represent the No. 1 "direct, human-caused threat to birds."

Because cats are people, you know.

Besides, the Lord knows, this dog was never much help with the bird population:

Anyway, there were quite a few people that questioned Rep. Doudera's plan, including a farmer with feral cats living in his barn, shelter officials fearing they'll be overrun with cat drop-offs, and veterinarians fearing they'll be overrun with cat owners wanting to euthanize their animals.

If the law passes, cat owners will be on the hook for $50-$500 for any mischief their cats cause.

Good luck with that, Mainers!


Ready to join the conversation? Subscribe today.

Access comments and our fully-featured social platform.

Sign up Now
App screenshot