Code of Ethics
As one of the few truly humane service providers in the United States, our methods are based on the principles and standards established by the Humane Wildlife Control Association (HWCA).
As defined by the HWCA, humane strategies are those that are based on a species’ natural history; do not expose animals to sudden or extreme hazards; inflict minimal amount of stress or pain; do not separate mothers from dependent young; and do not involve moving an animal out of its home territory.
In conducting our professional services:
human safety will be a priority,
the animals' welfare will be a priority,
we will follow all laws and regulations related to our business and services,
we will treat our customers with respect, being courteous, honest and reliable,
and look out for our customer's property as if it were our own,
we will be clear about fees and fair in our pricing,
we will use non-lethal methods whenever possible,
and treat every animal with compassion and respect,
and honor each animal's intrinsic value, and their place in the ecosystem,
we will encourage compassion, kindness and tolerance for other living things,
and advocate for greater understanding and appreciation of animals and the natural world,
we will advocate tolerance and promote harmonious co-existence,
we will lead the industry in humane and ethical practices,
and encourage others in our field to adopt similar principles.
Commitment to Ethical Advertising
Criteria for Lethal Control of CA Ground Squirrels
Humane Wildlife Control does not condone lethal control of native wildlife, however, we believe there are certain situations where lethal control of gophers and California ground squirrels is acceptable, even necessary.
The following is our criteria for providing lethal control of ground squirrels, using carbon monoxide.
Use of carbon monoxide gas to reduce a population of ground squirrels will be considered when:
the ground squirrels or their burrows pose a risk to human health and safety
or,
the health and safety of hoofstock - horses, donkeys or mules,
or,
where ground squirrel burrows have caused or threaten to cause significant damage to structures,
and,
when nonlethal methods have proven unsuccessful or would be unsuccessful,
and,
where the land has been and shall continue to be altered by human occupation,
and,
where precautions have been taken to reduce risk to other species such as burrowing owls, reptiles and amphibians.
Our Position on Free-Roaming Cats
For the following reasons, we promote keeping cats contained in outdoor compounds, like Catios or Cat Gardens, or indoors.
For the Welfare of the Cats
Like other domesticated animals, cats are dependent on people for their well-being. For optimum health, they require shelter that provides sufficient warmth and protection from the elements. They require routine medical and dental exams, and treatment for fleas and other parasites. Long-haired cats require regularly grooming. Cats deserve immediate relief from pain and suffering, should they become injured or ill. They deserve to be protected from cars, dogs, coyotes, poisons and other hazards, including other cats.
Domestic cats are susceptible to a number of viral and bacterial diseases that are extremely difficult to diagnose, difficult to treat, but easily transmissible to other cats.
Human Health
The cat is the sole definitive host of a microscopic intestinal parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, meaning, they are the only known animal to carry the adult protozoan and therefore the only source of infective oocytes (eggs). Cats shed millions of oocytes in their feces for about three weeks. The eggs can survive in the feces or soil for about 18 months. Humans and other animals become infected through ingestion.
The Environment and Wildlife
Free-roaming domestic cats are considered a non-native, invasive predator species and one of the most widespread serious threats to native wildlife populations. Free-roaming cats are responsible for killing millions of wild animals - birds, small mammals, reptiles and amphibians each year. The urine and feces from free-roaming cats can pollute the soil, waterways and marine environment. Sea otters and whales have been found dead and dying from Toxoplasmosis, a disease attributable to cats.
Life on the street is no place for a companion animal.
RESOURCES:
AWAKE!'s TENVAC Feral Cat Management Plan
Toxoplasmosis and Sea Otter Deaths
