Calls for major rule change as ‘big threat’ roams free in Aussie state

Sydney: There’s a growing concern in Australia about the impact of roaming cats on wildlife. A leading advocate recently told a parliamentary committee that we need a cultural shift to tackle this issue. It turns out that most pet owners don’t realize their cats are out there hunting and killing native animals.

Statistics show that an average pet cat kills around 110 native animals each year. That adds up to a staggering 320 million across the country! Many people think their cats are harmless, but they’re actually causing a lot of damage to wildlife.

After a recent inquiry in New South Wales, Jack Gough from the Invasive Species Council suggested looking at Victoria’s approach. They’ve implemented laws that require cats to be contained 24/7 to protect local wildlife. This has been effective, and Gough believes local communities should have the power to enforce similar rules.

He emphasized that we need clear, enforceable rules to address what he calls one of the biggest threats to wildlife. Cats are responsible for a significant number of extinctions in Australia, right after humans and a nasty fungus.

However, not everyone agrees with strict containment laws. Some critics point out that apartment dwellers might struggle to keep their cats indoors. It’s a tricky balance between protecting wildlife and ensuring pet owners can care for their animals.

Gough insists that education is key. People need to understand the impact of letting their cats roam free. Just like with dogs decades ago, we need a shift in mindset about cats and their role in the ecosystem.

Committee chair Emma Hurst also weighed in, saying we need to consider both cat welfare and wildlife protection. She believes that large-scale desexing programs could help manage the cat population and ultimately protect wildlife.

Experts like Dr. Sarah Legge argue that keeping cats indoors is better for both wildlife and the cats themselves. They’re less likely to get hit by cars or catch diseases. But she also thinks that simply enforcing curfews won’t solve the problem.

Dr. Colin Salter from WIRES pointed out that while cats are a problem, they’re not the only one. Habitat destruction is a much bigger issue. He believes that any changes should be fair and not disproportionately affect people living in apartments or renters.

It’s clear that this is a complex issue, and finding a solution will require cooperation and understanding from everyone involved.