OUR VALUES: PET OWNERSHIP

Summary
Wildlife Rescue South Coast supports responsible pet ownership, and encourages pet owners to control their animals, so that they do not harm wildlife.

Detail
Several studies have documented the fact that dogs and cats will hunt and kill Australian native animals, including birds, mammals and reptiles.  Our own experience shows that the animals responsible include pets, free-roaming animals and feral animals.

Generally the law provides good guidance. Dogs should be kept on the owner’s property and on leash when not at home, except for those places where off-leash activity is permitted.  People whose property includes, or is adjacent to wildlife habitat should take steps to keep their dogs from roaming in those areas wherever possible.

Cat runs (sometimes called cat parks) are an excellent way of keeping cats away from wildlife.  According to the manufacturers, veterinarians, and pet associations, these cat runs also prevent injuries, such as abscesses from fighting and injuries (and death) from interactions with other animals, and cars. This reduces suffering for the cats, and the related anxiety and costs for their owners.

Many cats and dogs retain a hunting instinct, even when they are well fed and well maintained.  When we are called out to rescue animals that have been injured by pet cats and dogs, the owners are often upset by the actions of their pets, and surprised that they attacked wildlife.  Unfortunately many attacks by dogs and cats go undiscovered by their owners.

Many Australian native animals are susceptible to the bacteria found in cat’s mouths, and suffer serious crush injuries from dogs.  Less than half of the native animals rescued after cat or dog attacks, will survive.

Feral and free-roaming dogs and cats inflict an awful toll on wildlife, so it is important to have pets desexed, and never abandon unwanted pets.  Cats and dogs should all be considered as potential predators when it comes to wildlife, and Wildlife Rescue South Coast encourages all people to keep a healthy distance between these pets and wildlife in all circumstances. This is particularly important where pets are kept in areas close to native animal habitat.

Consequently, our wildlife carers who own domestic pets must keep pet animals completely separate from wildlife in care at all times.