State Removes Feral Cat Colony From Jones Beach

A feral cat colony has been removed from Jones Beach to help protect endangered birds that nest in the park, state officials said.

The State Parks Department has been working with the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) to remove the cats from the beach. Since August 2018, 26 feral cats were trapped, examined by veterinarians and then relocated to cat sanctuaries. The state says that the cats were removed over time and with the help of cat caretakers. In addition, all of the structures that were put up in Jones Beach State Park for the cats have been removed.

The cats were removed to help protect the Piping Plovers, an endangered bird species that nests in the park.

"This is a very positive outcome that safeguards Piping Plovers and ensures a comfortable life for the cats," said Grant Sizemore, director of ABC's Invasive Species programs. "The protected plovers that nest at Jones Beach State Park — and many other species — will have one less threat to contend with, and the cats have a safer place to live out their lives."

The parks department said it is continuing to trap and remove any feral cats found on the beach. Signs have been posted around the park stating that abandoning or feeding cats is prohibited, and Park Police will be enforcing the prohibition.

The change to how the park handles cats comes from a lawsuit that the Parks Department settled with ABC in March 2016, which alleged that the department was violating the Endangered Species Act by allowing the cats to live there, which put the birds in danger.

"Jones Beach State Park is simply not an appropriate place for stray or abandoned cats," said Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. "We are pleased this agreement with American Bird Conservancy strikes a sensible balance between protecting the Piping Plover and relocating the feral cats that have been dropped off in the park in as humane a manner as possible."

If you see someone releasing a cat or other animal in the park, call the New York State Park Police at 631-321-3700. And if you spot a cat within the park, notify the Jones Beach Operations Office at 516-785-1600 x 555.

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