Fur flies as government opts to cull killer cats over curfew
The federal government has ruled out forcing cat owners to keep their pets inside 24-7, despite evidence showing a curfew would prevent the death of native wildlife.
Each night 20 million domestic, stray and feral cats roam the streets, killing native animals, ranging from birds to bandicoots.
Cat owner Rebecca Byrne, who owns six furry felines, says she never lets them roam at night.
“It is that risk of them going out, escaping and hunting, and not coming back,” she said.
A Zoos Victoria spokesperson said cats were responsible for the extinction of 27 species of mammal in Australia and were a “key threat” to more than a hundred other species.
In the Yarra Ranges, a “cat curfew” is in place, keeping the domesticated pets on property every hour of the day.
The zoos spokesperson said it had effect a “real change” on the welfare of native wildlife.
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