Wildlife in peril as cats move in
COUNCIL has defended its stance on the feral cat problem after a town resident complained about a lack of action on a neighbour who encourages the declared pests into their property.
The resident, who declined to be identified, said the council's offer of a trap to be hired for $12 with a $55 bond was "unaffordable" and more needed to be done about these dangerous animals in urban areas.
"We have complained to the council about a neighbour who feeds the wild cats and allows them to breed on their property and they roam the neighbourhood day and night," the resident said.
"This person has been letting the cats out of any traps and has threatened legal action towards anyone trapping the animals."
The resident said the feral cats had been killing native wildlife, including two young musk lorikeet fledglings.
A Southern Downs Regional Council spokesman said the council supported native wildlife and devoted "a great deal of resources" towards reducing the impact of feral animals.
"Council is aware of this case and is working on a number of strategies to eradicate the population of feral cats in this particular area.
"Council has cat traps available for trapping of feral cats in residential areas and will also carry out a trapping program as soon as possible."
