Ku-ring-gai councillors Donna Greenfield, Martin Smith propose enforcement of cat restrictions

A Sydney council will decide whether to impose a new cat restriction policy across the city’s northwest tonight.

Hornsby Shire Council's feral cat trappers have been catching them all over the shire, but mostly in urban areas. Picture: AAP IMAGE / Troy Snook

• Hornsby Council crackdown catches and kills 40 feral cats
• Hornsby Councillor Nathan Tilbury dilutes plans for strict controls
• Hills Shire Council policy imposes restrictions on pet ownership

KU-RING-GAI Council is following in the footsteps of neighbouring Hornsby — approving a plan to curb the number of feral cats roaming bushland.

Councillors Donna Greenfield and Martin Smith submitted a successful notice of motion during a council meeting this week, calling for a report to be prepared to assess the feasibility of a feral cat trapping program and the prohibition of cat ownership for people living within close proximity of wildlife protection areas.

Ku-ring-gai councillor wants to restrict the ownership of cats to curb them targeting wildlife.

“Cats are beautiful companion animals and bring a lot of joy to their owners and families,” Cr Greenfield said. “Sadly they are also very effective and efficient hunters and killers.

“It is estimated that over 60 million birds are killed every year in Australia by cats both feral and domestic.”

Christian Smits with a feral cat he caught in his back yard. Picture: John Appleyard

Cr Greenfield suggested a limit of the number of cats per household — which “may also see an increase in compliance with microchipping, registrations, vaccinations and desexing of cats”.

“A policy setting a number of cats per household could be implemented by council, with exceptions available for breeders and domestic households on a case-by-case basis,” she said.

Hornsby Council undertook a feral cat trapping program earlier this year, resulting in 41 cats captured during a two month trial with councillor Nathan Tilbury suggesting regulation on cat ownership at the time.

Feral cats trapped by Hornsby Shire Council rangers. Picture: AAP IMAGE / Troy Snook

“The majority of residential areas in Ku-ring-gai Council are located in close proximity to bushland reserves or National Park where feral cats are present or domestic cats roam freely, posing a threat to our native wildlife,” Cr Greenfield said.

“Simplifying cat and dog registration processes and streamlining the updating of ownership and address details should increase compliance and would provide council with income to assist provide the necessary resources to implement future measures.”

Councillors unanimously supported the motion, which also suggested the streamlining of the animal registration system.