Ahead of the program, a special microchipping event will be arranged, allowing residents to have their cats microchipped at a discounted rate of $5 per cat at Port Broughton. The date, once confirmed, will be promoted to encourage responsible pet ownership and help the community prepare for the trapping initiative.
Cats hold a cherished place in the community, offering companionship especially to the elderly and those living alone. Yet, an increase in stray and unowned cats has led to significant issues, including disturbance to neighbours, damage to property, and threats to native fauna.
Council's By-law No 6, enacted in 2017, addresses these issues by limiting households to two cats and defining what constitutes a nuisance cat. Flexibility exists within this limit, with owners able to apply to own more than two cats.
The two-week trapping program has been developed after extensive consultation with other councils facing similar challenges. It aims to humanely trap, neuter, and manage the stray cats, contributing to a reduction in their population.
Council has recognised that the well-meaning actions of some residents, such as feeding unowned cats, inadvertently contribute to the problem. A focused educational campaign will be conducted leading up to the trapping program, urging residents to stop feeding cats that aren't their own and to comply with registration and desexing requirements.
Under South Australian law, all cats born after 1 July 2018 must be desexed, and all cats must be microchipped and registered on www.dogsandcatsonline.com.au. Barunga West Council CEO Maree Wauchope said adherence to these regulations was essential for controlling the stray cat population.
“The Feral Cat Trapping Program represents Barunga West’s proactive approach to an issue impacting both residents and native wildlife,” Ms Wauchope said. “Through community education, collaboration, and responsible pet ownership promotion, Council is working to create a harmonious environment for all.”
Further information: https://www.barungawest.sa.gov.au/services/animal-management/cats