Many grey nomads are reporting a dramatic increase in the number of feral cats they come across on their journeys through Australia.
The cats – which originate from former domestic cats who were lost or abandoned and have reverted in some degree to a wild state – can make quite an unnerving sight. Veteran caravanners Ross and Lynne spotted this dead tabby on the road between Eulo and Cunnamulla in Queensland. The cigarette lighter placed by the side gives an indication of its size.
The couple said on their recent three-month trip though western New South Wales and Queensland the number of ferals was notably higher. “We saw lots more this time than other trips,” said Lynne. “At least 20 … and that’s just at road kill!” The problem appears to be an issue in other states, too, with cat management laws in Tasmania being slammed by many as ineffective. A review into the 2009 Cat Management Act will now be undertaken in the next 12 months.
Northern Midlands farmer George Mills told the Examiner newspaper that the Act prevented some farmers from killing feral cats on their land and made it extremely difficult for landowners to control feral populations. He said the biggest flaw in the Act was that it did not require cat owners to control and keep their pets on their property.
“Since this legislation came in there has been no concerted effort by the government to rid feral cats from farm and forestry land, and rid whatever population there is,” Mr Mills said. “Councils should be involved and I believe that poison baits should be laid in problem cat areas.”
Under the legislation, councils have an opt-in role and can enforce the act or designate areas where cats can be destroyed, trapped or seized for a period of time. Invasive Species Branch worker Craig Elliott told the Examiner that the issue of requiring cat owners to contain cats on their property, similar to dog ownership, would be raised with the community as part of the review into the Act. He said trapping methods were more effective than baits for eradicating feral cats.
Have you seen feral cats while you’re out on the road? Are there more than there have been in previous years? Do they unnerve you? Comment below.
Just returned from 5 weeks in Outback Queensland and noticed a large number of feral cats both alive and roadkill. Everybody we met commented about the number of these cats
We have travelled all around Australia in the past 5yrs and last year we did outback Qld ,we have never seen so many feral cats as we did on that trip.
When traveling through the Otway forest, I noticed a couple around. They were quite large and one stood just off the road watching us pass and I swear it was scowling at out presence.
I also have a large ginger one living around my bush property. It’s pretty flighty and runs as soon as it sees me.
it is amazing how things work really.
If i have a dog it must be registered and it must not be outside my property unattended.
If i have a chook it must comply with council requirements
If i have a snake i must have a licence
BUT
If i have a bike i have freedom of the road and insurance coverage without cost .
If i have a cat it can roam anywhere it likes and the only risk to me is that it may dissapear
Cat owners say they “try” to keep their pet from straying
Bike owners claim they should be free of cost because they also may have a car.
Here is how it works
we have a dog , car , motor home , motor bike and pay licence fees on all.
some people have motor vehicles on which they pay like me but then they may have bikes and cats with free run of the countryside for free
HOW FAIR IS THAT