Feral cats in the crosshairs in Warren Region with renewed efforts under way to manage invasive threat

For decades, Southern Forests Community Landcare have been at the forefront of native fauna conservation, undergoing various projects to target invasive species threatening the forests most vulnerable creatures. And, as of last week, the group have secured funding from the State Natural Resource Management Office to help reduce the numbers of WA’s most prolific invasive pests — feral cats. Titled ‘The Warren Region Feral Cat Management project’, a professional contractor will assist in ethically reducing the Warren’s feral cat populations, hopefully proving much-needed protection for both native species and local livestock. The project will run through to 2028, with applications for a project manager closing on February 27. SCFL chair Mark Batty said the organisation remains committed to sustainable land management and community driven conservation. “Southern Forests Community Landcare is dedicated to fostering sustainable land management practices that enhance environmental health and community well-being,” he said. “Our focus is on engaging local communities in collaborative initiatives that create a positive impact on our ecosystems and our quality of life.” The Cook Government has also recently announced it will progress the Cat Amendment (Local Laws) Bill, empowering local governments to make and enforce local laws regarding cat containment. The reforms enable local governments to implement cat containment measures that reflect local needs and community expectations. Through the Bill, if passed, local governments will be able to implement local laws that include restricting cats to their owners’ premises, prohibiting cats from all public areas, or introducing cat curfews. In progressing cat containment local laws, local governments will also be able to consider transition arrangements for existing outdoor cat owners and are encouraged to continue to explore other strategies and initiatives to support outdoor cat owners with the implementation of the local laws. The proposed amendments will result in better protection for Western Australian wildlife, with roaming pet cats estimated to kill millions of birds, reptiles, and small mammals each year. Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley said the government is taking action to enable local laws which support responsible cat ownership. “If passed, the Bill will empower individual councils to engage with their communities on how they approach cat containment and then make local laws which reflect the needs of their community,” she said. “Cat containment will prevent the destruction of native wildlife and improve the lives of people’s beloved pet cats.”