Impact of cats and dogs on wildlife

 
While cats and dogs are wonderful pets, they will have an impact on the native wildlife. Cats and dogs are natural predators and will hunt for sport, even if they are well fed.

Unfortunately even if you rescue a bird or small mammal that your pet has caught, most wildlife that has been attacked dies of shock or infection within 36 hours. It is important that you take injured wildlife to your vet or wildlife carer as soon as possible.

Marsupials when chased will often drop their young from their pouch, and unless found quickly, they will not survive.

Toxoplasmosis is a protozoan disease carried by cats that is fatal to marsupials.

Wildlife is best protected by keeping your pet inside the house or within an enclosure outdoors.  As a pet owner you are responsible for keeping your pets on your property at all times, and on a leash when in public places.

The native wildlife cannot survive the increasing predation, competition and diseases from introduced species along with the habitat destruction and environmental pollution that humans are causing.

Cats and dogs should be confined indoors or to an enclosure from dusk to dawn, when native animals move around to feed.  During the day cats and dogs will also have an impact.  Basic training not to chase other animals will help - your pet can learn to get along with other animals in the yard including wildlife.  However, if you are unsure, keeping your pet confined to one area of the yard will provide more safe areas for wildlife.

If your animal is found wandering at large Council can issue you an on the spot fine. If your dog is impounded additional fees may apply.