Feral Cats Devouring Native Wildlife: Urgent Action Needed

Feral cats pose a significant threat to native wildlife in Western Australia, with an estimated one million animals killed weekly across greater Perth. Peter Klinken, former WA chief scientist, has been appointed chair of the WA Feral Cat Working Group, aiming to address this crisis. The group advocates for an amendment to the Cat Act that would empower local governments to enact their own cat containment laws.

This proposed amendment, the Cat Amendment (Local Laws) Bill, was introduced to WA's lower house on February 25, but its progress has stalled. If passed, it would allow individual councils to implement measures such as requiring cats to be kept indoors at all times, enforcing curfews, or banning them from sensitive bushland areas. This initiative has garnered strong support, with nearly 80% of local councils eager to proceed with cat containment.

The working group's survey revealed that only three out of 26 greater Perth councils had successfully implemented permanent containment laws. Many councils reported low levels of responsible pet ownership, including poor cat registration, microchipping, and desexing rates. Greens MP Brad Pettitt and City of Vincent Mayor Alison Xamon have voiced their support for the amendment, emphasizing the legislative inaction is delaying critical protections for wildlife and pet cats alike.