UPDATE: Residents of Wyndham are being urged to stop feeding feral and stray cats, as experts warn that this seemingly kind act is harming the local ecosystem. Environmental educator Susie Inglis of NatureWest has raised alarms about the impact of stray cats on wildlife, stating, “Feeding these cats makes it harder for the council to manage their populations.”
The Wyndham City Council is grappling with the challenge of controlling the stray cat population, with over 8,000 registered cats in the municipality. “When residents feed unowned cats, these animals form colonies, complicating trapping efforts,” Inglis explained. “If they are not reliant on human food, they will hunt local wildlife, including baby birds, frogs, and lizards.”
This urgent advisory comes after the council’s recent vote in September 2023 on a draft domestic animal plan. This plan aims to extend the current cat curfew from 10 PM to 6 AM to a full 24-hour restriction. A council spokesperson emphasized the importance of not feeding stray animals, which can lead to negative consequences for wildlife and increase the risk of vehicle-related injuries for the cats.
The spokesperson stated, “Feeding unowned and stray cats contributes to wildlife decline, the spread of disease, and fatalities from traffic.” They strongly encourage residents to take responsibility for stray cats by adopting them instead of merely providing food.
Wyndham City is prioritizing education and outreach efforts. The council offers resources on responsible pet ownership and support for microchipping, registration, and desexing cats to ensure their welfare.
As the community grapples with this sensitive issue, residents are reminded to consider the broader impact of their actions on local wildlife. Authorities are calling for immediate action to protect the vulnerable species that share the habitat with these roaming cats.
For updates on this developing story, residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels.
