I am writing to urgently address a matter of great concern that is affecting the community of Wee Waa — the escalating crisis caused by the proliferation of stray cats.
I am deeply disappointed and frustrated to bring to readers’ attention the severe health issues these cats are facing, which not only impact their welfare but also pose a significant threat to the local ecosystem, as outlined by the New South Wales Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE).
According to the DPIE, feral cats are recognised as pest animals due to their detrimental impact on native wildlife populations.
They are responsible for the decline and extinction of numerous native species, including mammals, reptiles, and several bird species.
The unchecked breeding and subsequent inbreeding of these stray cats in Wee Waa exacerbate this problem, heightening the ecological consequences.
The dire situation is further compounded by the distressing health issues faced by these abandoned cats.
They suffer from various medical conditions, including prolapses, injuries from dog attacks, missing limbs, and infestations of fleas, ticks, staph infections and cockroaches.
Not only do these conditions cause immense suffering to the cats, but they also pose risks to public health as the cats are roaming freely around local cafes and supermarkets, causing damage to retail shops.
This is in violation of the Companion Animals Act 1998 No 87 s30, which prohibits cats in certain public areas, including food preparation/consumption areas.
While I understand that cats are legally allowed to roam in NSW, it is essential to acknowledge that these cats have been abandoned by their owners, have been freely breeding at uncontrollable rates, and are not receiving the necessary care.
Regrettably, despite numerous calls made to Narrabri Shire Council, including the local ranger and outsourced animal welfare shelters such as the local vets, RSPCA, and the Cat Protection Society, the response thus far has been inadequate.
I was informed via phone call on May 25, 2023, with the compliance department at Narrabri Shire Council, that the contract with the Cat Protection Society will be cancelled, and a new pound will be built.
However, it is uncertain how many cats it can accommodate or when it will be completed and no reason for ending the contract was given.
Calls to the ranger were ignored, and funding constraints have led to a frustrating impasse when funding should be available and used appropriately to address this issue.
Local veterinarians and rescue shelters have reached maximum capacity, and the unavailability of cat traps from the RSPCA further hinders our efforts to mitigate the problem.
Additionally, the absence of animal welfare officers severely limits our ability to tackle the root causes of this issue.
Given the gravity of the situation, I implore the general manager of Narrabri Shire Council to take immediate and decisive action.
It is crucial that the council allocates the necessary resources and support to address this crisis promptly.
The community of Wee Waa is grappling with the urgent need for assistance, and the consequences of inaction will be far-reaching.
I would also like bring to attention that concerned community members, including myself, have taken the initiative by starting a petition addressing this issue.
We have been gathering signatures from local residents who share our concerns.
The petition serves as a testament to the widespread support and urgency behind finding a solution to the stray cat crisis in Wee Waa.
I will provide a copy of the petition to council, along with the gathered signatures, at a later date once it is fully signed.
Emma Simpson
Wee Waa
