Published on Thursday, 18 August 2022 at 9:43:24 AM
To ensure the survival of native animals in the Chapman River Regional Park (CRRP) the City of Greater Geraldton will begin feral cat trapping on Monday 22 August 2022.
Feral cats, defined as cats living and reproducing in the wild are not owned and survive on their own by hunting, are a declared pest in Western Australia under the Biosecurity and Agricultural Management Act 2007 (BAM Act).
City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said feral cats are impacting native animal populations here and around Australia.
“According to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development feral cats have played a major role in the extinction of at least 27 mammal species in Australia and currently endanger 147 Australian mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs,” he said.
“The City has received complaints about feral cats in the Park and if we don’t act to keep numbers down, feral cats will most certainly devastate our local animal populations in the Park and we risk losing some native species altogether.
“Domestic cats are also contributing to the problem so residents are advised to keep their cats inside or within an outdoor cat enclosure and not let them roam in or near bushland and reserves.
“Cat owners are reminded that their pets must be microchipped, wear a collar, be sterilized and registered,” he added.
Feral cats caught in the traps over the month long trapping period will be humanely euthanised. Any domestic cats caught will be referred to City Rangers and their owners informed.
Picture Caption: White-breasted Robin who living in the CRRP.
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