LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Cats on campus: NSU responds

Re: Feeding stray cats could get you fired at Nova Southeastern University, Aug. 4

A recent Sun Sentinel article focused on the issue of feral cats on Nova Southeastern University’s Davie campus. A fact provided to the reporter but left out of the story is that NSU works with Broward County Animal Care on a trap, neuter and return (TNR) program, the most appropriate and humane approach to the feral cat population on campus to manage the situation. This is how cats are caught, neutered and released back on campus. Unfortunately, feral cats are not adoptable. According to the experts, it is better to return them to campus, an environment they are familiar with, than to release them to new locations. The TNR program is widely heralded by animal advocates as a strategic, humane way to address feral cat populations. It is unfortunate that this crucial fact was left out of the story.

Also addressed was the issue of employees leaving food out for the animals. NSU is not “anti-cat” as some have alleged. Many of us at NSU are cat lovers, having had many felines as members of our families. While leaving food out for them may be well-intentioned, it is truly unnecessary and can cause more serious issues such as unsanitary conditions and individuals being harmed by other animals on campus that are attracted to food.

George Hanbury, Fort Lauderdale The writer is president and CEO of Nova Southeastern University.

Controlling feral cats

There are many feral cat colonies in Broward. The county used to have a trap, neuter and teturn (TNR) program to help control feral cat populations. I was told by Broward County that they stopped picking up cats for TNR due to COVID-19.

They will TNR cats only if you bring them in yourself. This is not feasible for many of us who cannot handle or catch feral cats on our own. Meanwhile, in our neighboring counties have continued their full TNR programs in full force.

I have started a Change.org petition to let the county know how critical it is to reinstate the full TNR program, which you can sign here: http://chng.it/qcKk9MRY. Stephanie Kienzle, Davie

(Editor’s Note: In response to this letter, Broward County Animal Care said it offers trap/neuter/return vouchers each month to residents who want to sterilize cats in their neighborhoods. Apply online at Broward.org/ Animal).

Deflections by DeSantis

Gov. DeSantis has returned to the Trump playbook to deflect attention from his appalling record on protecting Floridians.

We have to blame the media for creating mass hysteria over the resurrection of COVID-19 s crippling effects. Yes, it’s the media reporting that our hospitals are full, and we aren’t supposed to believe you because that would make DeSantis look bad and cripple his re-election campaign that could destroy his presidential ambitions.

The governor of Florida is living in a state of denial. The rest of us are living in reality. Mismanagement of the pandemic cost a president his reelection. I hope it kills DeSantis’ political future, too.

Jay Margolis, Delray Beach

The DeSantis Variant

Gov. DeSantis, like his mentor, Donald Trump, is closed-minded. He thinks he’s right and everyone else is wrong. His comments are a deliberate attempt to mislead and confuse. He is self-righteous as he thinks his beliefs and morals are better than anyone else’s and he seems offended when others don’t share his values. The Delta variant can be controlled, but the DeSantis variant continues.

Gilbert Cartier, Deerfield Beach

Trump’s toady

Governor Desantis you are helping to make Florida No. 1 in COVID outbreaks, hospitalizations and deaths. Your ignorant, political, anti-science policies will cost you re-election and thankfully end your dreams of being a presidential candidate. You are a dumb toady Trumpist. Following his playbook will be your demise. You are both disgusting self-serving politicians.

Clement (Mike) Ciereck, Deerfield Beach