For Immediate Release: May 7, 2001

Contact: , American Bird Conservancy, 202/234-7181 ext. 207

Ten Year Old Wins Nationwide Poster Competition for Third Annual National Keep Your Cat Indoors Day

WASHINGTON, DC: American Bird Conservancy (ABC) and Wild Bird Centers of America (WBCA) announce the winners of the children’s poster competition for the third annual National Keep Your Cat Indoors Day on May 12, 2001. The posters will help publicize the event, which aims to educate cat owners that cats, birds and other wildlife all benefit when cats are kept indoors. The event coincides with International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD), which involves thousands of people in birdwatching and educational activities across the country during the spring bird migration.

Linda Winter, Director of Cats Indoors! Campaign for ABC stated, "Once again, we were just overwhelmed with the response from children all across the country who sent us artwork showing happy indoor cats." From over 340 entries representing 23 states and Canada, the overall winner and winner in the age 10 - 12 category is Molly Whitney from Philomath, OR. Molly is 10 years old and attends the Inavale Elementary School. Molly won a $200 gift certificate from WBCA, and Inavale Elementary School won a $150 gift certificate. Molly, who makes her own Wood Duck boxes with her family and is a keen backyard birder said "I think making the poster was very important and worthwhile because we need to make sure we always have birds around." The winner of the 8 - 9 age category is Sarah Cook from Chico, CA, and the winner in the 6 - 7 age category is Tricia Wiles from Ashland, VA. They each receive a $100 gift certificate from WBCA. The winning posters can be viewed and downloaded from ABC’s Web site at: www.abcbirds.org/cats/catsindoors.htm and on WBCA’s Web site at: www.wildbirdcenter.com.

George Petrides, president of Wild Bird Centers of America, said, "Congratulations and thanks to all the children who sent artwork for this contest. It is encouraging that so many young people are interested in the future of our bird populations and maintaining the health and safety of our domestic pets."

Each year, free-roaming, domestic cats kill hundreds of millions of birds and small mammals, some of which are threatened with extinction. In addition, millions of outdoor cats are killed or injured by cars or in fights with other cats, dogs, or wild animals. Free-roaming cats can contract debilitating and life-threatening diseases, become lost, stolen, or poisoned. It is clearly in the best interest of both cats and birds to keep cats at home.

ABC’s Cats Indoors! Campaign is supported by thousands of individuals and conservation, animal welfare, wildlife rehabilitation, and veterinary organizations throughout the country including: The Humane Society of the United States, American Humane Association, National Audubon Society, and the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. ABC produces campaign education materials which include fact sheets on cat predation on birds and other wildlife, hazards to free-roaming cats, cat ordinances, and how to make an outdoor cat a contented indoor pet. A four-color brochure and poster are available, as well as Public Service Announcements and a teacher’s activity guide for grades K - 6 through ABC’s Web site (www.abcbirds.org).

Dr. George Fenwick, ABC president, said, "Our migratory birds have survived habitat loss on their wintering grounds, natural disasters, and a long flight - sometimes across open water. To be killed by a well-fed cat on their return to the U.S. is an unspeakable, but preventable, tragedy."

Web sites of interest: American Bird Conservancy: http://www.abcbirds.org
Wild Bird Centers of America: http://www.wildbirdcenters.com
International Migratory Bird Day: http://www.americanbirding.org
National Audubon Society: http://www.audubon.org
The Humane Society of the United States: http://www.hsus.org
American Humane Association: http://www.americanhumane.org