Murraylands animal welfare group wants cats to be managed better

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Murray Bridge's cat population, both domestic and stray, needs to be better managed, according to a local animal advocacy group.

Murraylands Animal Welfare Watch Inc has started a cat management improvement petition for the Rural City of Murray Bridge.

The small not for profit group, is aiming to get a more serious and active role in managing the stray cat population in Murray Bridge.

This includes wanting the supply of resource programs such as free de-sexing and pet education for the community.

The petition currently has over 300 signatures but the group are hoping for more with a goal of 500 set.

Ruby Eckermann, spokesperson for MAWW is planning a deputation to the council chamber later this year to present the petition to councillors and administration.

"It's time to step up," Ms Eckermann said.

The petition seeks to demonstrate that local people are concerned about wandering cats, fighting cats, unwanted litters, and decimated wildlife.

Many are particularly worried about the welfare of stray cats living on the streets, Ms Eckermann said.

"Council has not been active in this space, and were waiting on the SA Government to announce some state-wide initiatives in cat management," she said.

Disappointingly, there were no serious initiatives forthcoming in the Dog and Cat Management (Breeder Reforms) Amendment Bill 2024.

Hence the group believes the Rural City of Murray Bridge must take responsibility for cats as part of its everyday council business – as it does for dogs, Ms Eckermann said.

MAWW is also urging council to resource a dedicated officer to work as a central point for cat management.

"An officer could run programs around free de-sexing, microchipping, containment, resident education and the humane management of stray cats in the rural city," Ms Eckermann said.

To sign the online petition, click here.

MAWW soon hope to spend some time canvassing at Murray Bridge Marketplace to gain in-person signatures.

There will also be paper petitions available at some retail outlets.

• Sign the petition: www.change.org.

Government seeks feedback on cat laws

Meanwhile, South Australia's government is seeking to further update sections of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995.

Although local councils around the state were introducing by-laws to manage cats, there were opportunities to improve how they operated.

The population of cats that were not desexed and continued to produce litters was having an adverse affect on primary producers, state national parks and reserves.

Rescue organisations and shelters frequently reported being over capacity, meaning they had to turn away requests to take in cats and kittens.

A spokesperson for the Dog and Cat Management Board said feral and wandering cats were one of the biggest threats to native wildlife.

"They are a particular threat to around 200 nationally listed threatened species, have contributed to the extinction of 28 mammal species and cause significant economic damage to agriculture by spreading diseases," the spokesperson said.

"The proposed changes would ... make it easier for councils to create and implement their own cat management by-laws."

The state government has identified priorities to support cat management action in 2024-25, including:

• Cat desexing initiatives and grants to reduce unwanted litters
• Supporting councils to develop and implement local by-laws
• Community education promoting responsible pet ownership

"The community is also asked to comment on what changes, if any, they would like for future cat management," the spokesperson said.

Community feedback on these proposed changes is important to shape an effective and balanced approach.

Have your say on on what future expectations you wish to see considered for cat management in South Australia.

The consultation period for the survey ends on September 4.

• Have your say: Visit yoursay.sa.gov.au/cat-management before September 4.