<
https://theconversation.com/how-to-cut-stray-cat-numbers-in-a-way-that-works-better-for-everyone-229291>
"Stray cats are a big problem across most Australian cities and towns. They
cause many complaints related to nuisance behaviours and concerns about urban
wildlife, as well as straining government resources. Ratepayers ultimately pay
for the substantial costs created by roaming cats.
Mandatory registration, desexing, microchipping and containment of cats on
owners’ properties have had limited effect. We see owned cats and strays
roaming across most urban areas. Most strays are in disadvantaged suburbs,
where compassionate residents (considered semi-owners) feed and care for them.
Discussions about cat overpopulation tend to focus on the cats themselves and
the challenges they bring. The limitations of current management strategies to
control cat numbers, such as local government trapping programs, are neglected.
Councils keep covering the costs of cat management without asking “why are
current practices not working?” or “are we in line with our social licence to
operate?” In other words, is there broad support for euthanising huge numbers
of cats?
An estimated 50,000 are killed each year. This has devastating effects on the
mental health of many animal management staff.
It’s imperative to shift the focus to adopting more effective management
methods. The solution is a no-barrier, community cat desexing program. This
also requires a shift in mindset so animal management officers give priority to
community assistance over enforcement.
Our new research reveals the remarkable results of one such program, entirely
funded by one local council. Over eight years, cat intakes fell to a third of
what they were and euthanasia to less than a fifth. Cat-related complaints fell
too. These outcomes saved the council nearly half-a-million dollars over the
eight years."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
