New Zealand Town Proposes Ban On Cats To Protect Local Wildlife

It's one-nil to dogs, as a town in New Zealand wants to ban cats in an attempt to protect native birds.

Feline-fans in Omaui, in Southland, could be hit with strict rules under new proposals, including having their cats neutered, mirco-chipped and placed on a list where they will be monitored until they die.

Ali Meade, biosecurity operations manager told Newshub that people who currently own cats needn't worry, the animal will be permitted to 'live out its natural life' in the area.

But added: "After that point there will be no new cats. Once your cat dies you won't be able to replace them."

The area is home to an array of native wildlife including the fantail, tui and grey warbler, all of which are under threat from cats according to John Collins from the Omaui Landcare Charitable Trust.

He told the Otago Daily Times: ''We're not cat haters, but we want our environment to be wildlife-rich.

''Native wildlife is disappearing rapidly around the country and places like this where people still live and enjoy and hear the birdsong are probably few and far between."

Before adding that he had seen small birds 'ripped to pieces' by moggies on his front garden.

Perhaps naturally, the proposals are not without their critics, some pissed-off pet owners told the news outlet they will 'actively petition' the plans.

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One resident Nico Jarvis said if such a rule were brought in she would refuse to stick to it because she believes her cats are the only way to combat the area's rodent problem.

Speaking to the paper she said: "If I cannot have a cat, it almost becomes unhealthy for me to live in my house."

She added: ''The community here do understand the conservational side of things, absolutely, but I think long-term, the ramifications of this are not something that even non-cat-owners will be comfortable with.

''It's like a police state. It's not even regulating people's ability to have a cat. It's saying you can't have a cat."

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If the plans do go ahead, anyone found in breach of the rules would receive a notice telling them they must remove the cat. If necessary, and as 'an absolute last resort', the local authorities would remove the cost and bill the owner.

The pet would then be rehomed, and a prosecution could be brought against the previous owner.

Sources: Newshub; Otago Daily Times

Topics: New Zealand, World News, Animals

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19