Ashburton District Council Investigates Cat Management Policy to Protect Birds

Mid Canterbury could soon have a new cat management policy following a request from conservationists to help safeguard native bird populations. The Ashburton District Council has agreed to investigate this initiative, driven by the Methven and Foothill Birdsong Initiative.

Conservationists Call for Action

Barry Maister and Mac McElwain, representatives from the Methven and Foothill Birdsong Initiative, addressed the district’s biodiversity advisory group. They emphasized the crucial need to implement measures to manage the feline population to aid their efforts in ensuring birdlife thrives in the area.

Biodiversity Advisory Group Supports Recommendation

The biodiversity advisory group, featuring representatives from various organizations, including Federated Farmers, DOC, and the Ashburton district council, backed the recommendation for an official cat management policy. They acknowledged that the issue extends beyond mere ecological concerns, making it a matter of responsible pet ownership.

The Challenge Ahead

McElwain highlighted that while the negative impact of feral cats on biodiversity is well-documented, the primary challenge lies in achieving a higher level of responsible cat ownership within the community. He stressed that the success of the birdsong project hinges on effective management of the cat population.

Urban Wildlife Management Efforts

Current projects in Methven already show promising results in enhancing native bird numbers. These include a trapping program targeting invasive pests such as possums, rats, and mice. However, stray felines remain a critical obstacle to success.

Potential Solutions

According to McElwain, desexing stray cats is a crucial step in managing the population. Additionally, he advocated for microchipping and registering pet cats to ensure their safety if caught in traps.

Local Trapping Efforts Yield Results

Trafficah Lake Heron Conservation Society’s trapping program stands as a testament to these methods, yielding the capture of 97 cats over a seven-year period. This raises questions about the origin of the feline population in these areas.

Cat Migration and Conservation

Cats are known for their hunting habits and have been migrating from urban zones to the high-country regions, where food sources are abundant. Unless managed effectively, the proliferation of feral cats could pose a significant threat to wildlife across the rivers and high-country areas beyond Methven and Ashburton.

Ashburton Council’s Involvement

Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown expressed cautious optimism about the project, questioning the efficacy of policy implementation but recognizing the necessity of finding a solution. The biodiversity advisory group, however, remained steadfast, recommending that the Ashburton District Council explore potential cat management policies.

Example from Selwyn District Council

In July 2022, the Selwyn District Council revised its Keeping Animals, Poultry, and Bees Bylaw, requiring all domestic cats over four months old to be microchipped and registered. This approach aims to protect domestic pets from accidental capture and reunion with their owners.

Susan Atherton, the council’s Head of Regulatory, stated that the microchipping and registration costs were borne by cat owners, with microchipping prices typically ranging from $15-20 plus a veterinarian fee, and registration with NZCAR costing about $15 per cat.

The Way Forward

As the Ashburton District Council begins its investigation into a cat management policy, it can draw inspiration from the successes and strategies of neighboring councils. With community cooperation and responsible pet ownership practices, the imminent threat posed by feral cats could be significantly reduced, securing a brighter future for local wildlife.

By working together, the Ashburton community can ensure that the tranquil bird songs they cherish remain a regular feature of their surroundings.

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