PUBLIC MEETING 13th JUNE 2016 Can we balance our desire to protect native wildlife with our desire to keep cats as pets?
New Zealanders want to protect native wildlife but we are also a nation of cat-lovers. Between us, we own about 1.4 million domestic cats which are known to prey on vulnerable native birds and animals. Come along to this meeting to hear how researchers, conservationists and local government is tackling the issue.
PRESENTERS
Dr Heidy Kikillus of Victoria University Heidy will report on her “Cat Tracker” study of 250 domestic cats in Wellington City using GPS collars. The data gathered will inform cat management policies of local councils and government.
Myfanwy Emeny, Team Leader Urban Ecology, Wellington City Council. Myfanwy will discuss WCC’s animal bylaw and cat management strategies, which aim to protect native animals while balancing the rights of cats and their owners.
Ro Cambridge, Manager of the Live and Let Live Project Ro will report on this pilot project trialling ways to protect native wildlife on the Waimea Inlet, by trapping feral cats while working with local cat-owners to prevent harm to pet cats.
Paul Sheldon, Co-ordinator Biosecurity & Biodiversity, Tasman District Council Paul will discuss responsible cat management from the perspective of TDC ‘s pest and animal control policies.
Hosted by Waimea Inlet Forum supported by Tasman District Council, Tasman Environmental Trust and the Department of Conservation
Everyone is welcome to this meeting on the question of responsible cat management
7.30pm Monday 13 June Headingly Centre Lower Queen Street Richmond
Presenters wil talk on:
The Live and Let Live Project
Wellington City Council's animal bylaw and cat management strategies
Results of Victoria University's Cat Tracker Project