Uproar over new 50 cat breeding shed at Ipswich, Karrabin

Thousands of people have opposed a new kitten farm at Ipswich as the region struggles with overrun shelters and strays.

As the Ipswich City Council decides on whether or not to approve a cat breeding facility at Karrabin, more than 6000 people have signed a petition opposing the controversial facility.

Karrabin Luxury Pet Resort has been operating as a dog and cat kennel at 38 Kely Rd since the 1970s, however a development application was submitted to the council in early 2022, which sought approval to convert a shed into a cattery.

The owners of a well-established dog and cat kennel facility have proposed to build and operate a new breeding cattery at Ipswich. Picture: Google Maps

The applicants Saji Pty Ltd, ATF Jackson Family Trust, and Vitality Town Planning, hope to convert the 500 sqm shed into an “intensive animal husbandry” facility which can hold up to 50 breeding cats.

Planning documents submitted to the council said the floors would remain

concreted, however plush walls and airconditioning would be installed.

Since the project was announced, more than 6000 people signed an online PETA petition, and more than 40 people wrote letters of disapproval to the council.

PETA spokeswoman Emily Rice urged the council to listen to the voices of residents concerned about the welfare of the animals raised in breeding facilities as well as those looking to be rehomed.

Picture: Supplied

“Approving a commercial kitten-breeding facility at a time when Australians are increasingly choosing to adopt animals in need of a loving home from shelters isn’t a smart long-term investment for Ipswich or the state as a whole,” Ms Rice said.

“Compassion and logic must prevail”.

Another PETA spokeswoman claimed that if approved, up to 50 cats would be housed at the facility to produce litters.

“The proposed facility would further lower adoption chances for the many animals in shelters and foster care, add more animals to already overburdened shelters, and increase the loss of wildlife cats contribute to,” she said.

A floor plan of the existing shed and external patio and breeding enclosures proposed for the Kely Rd, Karrabin site.

In mid-2022 Ipswich cat-trappers reported an endless number of kittens were popping up across Ipswich, and overworked employees were using their own funds to ensure strays were rehabilitated.

An animal rescuer told The Queensland Times an alarming amount of cats were being abandoned.

“They’re dumped in plastic bags, they’re dumped in rivers, they’re dumped out by the paddocks, they’re dumped on the side of the road,” she said.

In March the RSPCA said Ipswich was one of Queensland’s animal cruelty hot spots - Redbank Plains was the state’s second highest suburb after recording 140 animal welfare complaints.

It is not suggested the facility will engage in animal cruelty.

The stage of the development is currently pending public notification and the Ipswich council is yet to review submissions before making its decision.