‘Cruel and inhumane’: Investigation launched after cats killed at Keehi harbor

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – An investigation is underway after several cats were killed at Keehi Small Boat Harbor this month in what’s being called “cruel and inhumane behavior.”
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said the first “horrifying” discovery was made on Oct. 17, when a feral cat’s body was discovered floating in the water. The cat appeared to be decapitated.
On Oct. 29, the bodies of another seven cats were found at the harbor with injuries that appeared to be “non-natural.”
The DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement is looking for the perpetrator.
Officials said feeding animals, including feral cats, at Keehi and all state small boat harbors is against the law, adding that many of the dead cats were found next to piles of food that were spread on the ground or pavement.
Cats are known to spread the disease toxoplasmosis, which can be deadly for endangered Hawaiian monk seals, the DLNR said.
“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,” said Meghan Statts, administrator of the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation.
Anyone with further information is asked to call the DOBOR hotline at 643-3567.
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