Cassy O’Connor: Cats laws: A toothless tiger

The Tasmanian Greens today called for a triple bottom line assessment of feral and domestic cats on Tasmania’s environment and primary industries sector, following calls by Bonorong Sanctuary owner Greg Irons for tougher cat management laws.

Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP said the review into the Cat Management Act 2009 should address increased funding, so the Act can actually protect the environment, maintain welfare of pets and lessen the devastating effects of toxoplasmosis on native wildlife and agriculture.

“It’s important that the Environment Minister acknowledge the widespread criticism from environment, farmers and animal welfare organisations and address that with increased funding.” Ms O’Connor said.

“It is pointless having an Act that puts the onus on local councils and community groups to clean up Tasmania’s huge feral cat problem.”

“It is crucial that the review takes into account the lack of targeted funding for cat management, because without that, any review is meaningless.”

“It’s a false economy to continue to under-resource the implementation of these laws, when the negative and costly impact across our native animals and farming sector is so sadly obvious.”

“We need to assess the monetary cost that both feral and domestic cats are having on the environment and farmers, and take that into account in amending the current laws.”

“We recognise that the majority of Tasmania’s cat owners are responsible pet owners, but this problem will not go away and it is to the benefit of all that we get on top of it now,” Ms O’Connor said.
Cassy O’Connor MP Greens Environment Spokesperson