CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Nature P.E.I.’s October meeting will feature a talk on the impacts of free-roaming cats on wildlife, the environment and even human health.
Dave McRuer, a wildlife health specialist employed by Parks Canada who is based at the Atlantic Veterinary College, is the speaker.
The event will be held at Beaconsfield’s Carriage House on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting starts with a raffle and refreshments. The feature presentation begins at 8 p.m.
McRuer’s talk will focus on the benefits of indoor cat ownership for wildlife and cat welfare. Free-roaming cats are known to be one of the greatest causes of injury and death to native wildlife and are globally listed by the World Conservation Union as a top invasive alien species.
McRuer has witnessed first-hand the impacts of free-roaming cats on native wildlife and has participated in multiple studies and education campaigns to promote indoor cat ownership.
McRuer works on a broad range of wildlife health issues in national parks. Prior to joining Parks Canada, he worked as a wildlife biologist with the P.E.I. Division of Forests, Fish and Wildlife and as the director of veterinary services at the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
For more information, email Connie Gaudet at [email protected].
