Pittwater Council could lock up moggies in new trial to protect wildlife

PITTWATER Council is set to trial a program that could lead to your cat getting locked up in a cage, while you get slugged with a possible $110 fine.

PITTWATER Council is set to trial a program that could lead to your cat getting locked up in a cage, while you get slugged with a possible $110 fine.

The council’s impending cat management program is intended to protect native wildlife by safely capturing cats that are in environmentally sensitive areas.

During the program period, cats found roaming in the council’s Wildlife Protection Areas (WPAs) will be caught and secured in a cage and taken to the Pittwater Animal Hospital.

Captured cats will be taken to the vets.

The council said that owners of cats found within the reserves of WPAs will not be fined in the first instance. Should an animal be repeatedly found within a WPA, then fines of $110 an incident will apply, plus impounding fees.

The council’s deputy general manager of urban and environmental assets, Ben Taylor, said it was crucial to look at ways to further protect native wildlife in the area, with the trial – expected to last up to two weeks – seen as a away to do that.

The council says the program does “not pose a risk of harm” to cats.

“Pittwater Council’s cat management program is designed to ensure Wildlife Protection Areas remain a safe haven for precious native wildlife and encourage local cat owners to take responsibility for their animals,” he said.

“It will protect native wildlife by safely capturing cats that are in environmentally sensitive areas.”

“Native wildlife does not have effective defence mechanisms against introduced predators, infections or diseases (e.g. toxoplasmosis) associated with injury.

“Harassment and/or scent from domestic animals (and droppings) may also prevent native fauna successfully foraging, breeding or sheltering.”

Mr Taylor said keeping cats out of WPAs also reduced their risk of being attacked by wildlife such as spiders and snakes, and of cats catching diseases.

Mr Taylor said other councils have run similar programs and they did “not pose a risk of harm” to cats.

The council revealed the initial program will run at Warriewood Wetlands and Irrawong Reserve.

The program will be trialed at Irrawong Reserve.

Residents living in the vicinity of the trial areas will be advised before the trial commences. Should any cats be captured and identified, the owner will be contacted.

For a full list of WPAs and more details go to www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/environment/native_plants/bushland.