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Protecting Wildlife from Domestic and Feral Animals
Sugar Glider killed by a dog at Hitchcock park, Avalon
Pittwater Council has received an alarming number of reports of native wildlife being killed or harassed by domestic animals.
Native wildlife is particularly vulnerable to predation from domestic cats and dogs, as they have not developed effective defence mechanisms against these predators. Of particular concern is the impact domestic animals may be having on the local Ringtail Possum population.
Other animals impacted include:
- Sugar and Squirrel Gliders
- Bandicoots
- Blue Wrens
- Lyre Birds
- Echidnas
- Brush Turkeys
- Ducklings
- frogs and lizards such as the Blue Tongue and Water Dragon
- many, many more
Council needs your assistance to help us protect the animals that share our precious natural bushland and the habitat in which they live.
- Protect our wildlife from harm caused by cats and dogs by keeping your pets indoors between sunset and sunrise. Ask your veterinarian or contact an animal behaviourist for advice.
- Help prevent attacks on birds by attaching two bells to your cat’s collar. Ask your vet to recommend a safe and cat friendly collar.
- Desex your cat or dog and minimise the animals desire to wander.
- Prevent disturbance to the many migratory birds that feed from the tidal flats by not allowing your dog to visit these areas.
Cat owners responsibilities include:
- ensuring your cat does not injure a person or other animal or damage property
- ensuring your cat does not enter a food consumption or wildlife protection areas
- ensuring your cat is identified and registered
In some areas more stringent restrictions apply such as prohibition on cat ownership, while in other areas cats are required to be in a cat run or indoors at all times.
Pets bring so many benefits to individuals and the community and with commitment from our pet owners, we can prevent them from harming our precious fauna.
Note: It is an offence under the Companion Animals Act 1998 for any dog or cat to enter a designated wildlife area and for any dog or cat to cause harm or kill an animal.
Updated: 05 Dec 2011