The Invasive Species Council has welcomed a review of outdated laws regarding the containment of cats, with new data showing the Central Coast has the second-highest incidence of cats killing native wildlife in the greater Sydney area.
The data breaks down how many native animals are being killed in each suburb each year.
It shows the Central Coast has just 36,400 registered cats, but an estimated total (including unregistered animals) of 96,000.
An estimated 5.8 million native animals are killed by cats in the region each year.
The NSW government is currently reviewing pet laws for the first time in two decades, opening the door for cat containment to be on the table.
Invasive Species Council (ISC) Interim CEO Jack Gough said the review was an important opportunity for NSW to catch up with other states by empowering councils with the tools they need to protect native wildlife and improve the lives of pet cats.
“Every year about 66 million native mammals, frogs, reptiles and birds are killed by roaming pet cats just in Greater Sydney,” he said.
“We need a cultural change to stop this and that starts with empowering councils to bring in clear cat containment rules.
“Despite strong public backing for cat containment, outdated laws in NSW prevent councils from acting.
“This is a stark contrast to Victoria which has empowered councils to introduce containment rules, and over half have done so.
“The ACT has also mandated cat containment territory-wide.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve cat management, empower councils and protect native wildlife from the devastating impact of free-roaming pet cats.”
Gough urged the State Government to allow local councils to introduce cat containment laws and develop a companion management plan.
“Roaming pet cats are sending our suburbs silent,” he said.
“Every year they kill around 323 million native mammals, birds, and reptiles.”
He said a recent national survey by Monash University’s BehaviourWorks Australia for the Biodiversity Council found that 65% of NSW residents support keeping pet cats contained, with only 9% opposed.
“Councillors across NSW have been crying out for stronger powers to manage cats,” he said.
“They know containment is a simple and effective step with profound benefits for wildlife and pet welfare alike.
“Cats that are responsibly kept at home can live up to 10 years longer than those allowed to roam.”
The ISC is calling on the government to allow councils to have the ability to introduce 24/7 cat containment; boost funding for responsible pet ownership initiatives, including subsidised desexing; and launch a state-wide education campaign on the benefits of cat containment.
Be the first to comment on "Keep cats indoors, says Invasive Species Council"