Council considers cat curfew

A cat curfew is being considered by Central Coast Council to protect native wildlife from the natural predatory behaviour of cats.

The move was supported by native bird experts and could be effective on the Peninsula.

Local Wildlife Arc bird carer Mr Michael Dahlstrom said domestic cats were notoriously problematic for native wildlife and a cat curfew was definitely needed.

"There's a big problem on the Peninsula with wandering cats, particularly at Pearl Beach," he said.

"We are blessed where we live with the abundance of wildlife but, especially at the moment, there's lots of young birds on the ground learning to fly, and they're just easy prey for these hunting cats.

"As a wildlife carer, it is really quite horrifying having to clean-up the injuries after someone's cat has just attacked," Mr Dahlstrom said.

Birdlife Australia Central Coast representative Mr Allan Benson addressed councillors in the public forum at the November 11 meeting, saying cats were instinctive hunters and took a significant toll on birds, reptiles and small mammals.

Cr Kyle MacGregor, who put up the successful Motion to investigate a cat curfew, said at the meeting that "this policy is a no brainer".

"Other councils and state governments are moving towards it".

"As a local council we have a responsibility to protect the Central Coast's native flora and fauna and to represent the views of the majority of residents," Cr MacGregor said.

Council's Companion Animal Committee chair Cr Greg Best said the "wholesale" problem on the Coast was that "we have a growing population right on the doorstep of numerous bushland areas which are habitat for native animals which make great hunting grounds for cats".

"We have to make people see what carnage domestic cats are capable of.

"The message is: Put your cat away at night, it's just that simple," Cr Best said.

SOURCE

Central Coast Council agenda 6.5, 11 Nov 2019

Media statement, 12 Nov 2019

Allan Benson, BirdLife Australia

Interview (Sue Murray), 1 Nov 2019

Greg Best, Central Coast Council

Interview (Sue Murray), 18 Nov 2019

Michael Dahlstrom, Wildlife Arc