Councillor voices concern about feral cat numbers

GUNNEDAH Shire councillor Ann Luke has queried what measures are in place to address feral cat numbers in town.

Through a question on notice, Cr Luke also sought information about the support available for ratepayers seeking assistance to remove feral cats from their properties.

Information from shire staff was tabled at the meeting and stated that the council recently reactivated the feral cat trap hire program for private properties, using traps which are safe for staff and the public, and humane to the trapped animal.

Cr Luke thanked staff for their information but had concerns that what was stated in the staff comments hadn’t always been the case.

“In particular, I would mention that once a supposedly feral cat has been trapped, that it is then the property owner’s responsibility to then go and have that cat assessed,” she said.

“I will foreshadow that at the next meeting…a motion that feral cats, the dealing with them when they’re actually caught on private property, that cost should actually be undertaken by council.

“Currently, I don’t think that’s the way things have been operating at present for homeowners to actually deal with feral cats and then the cost thereof.

“I do feel that the feral cat population is council’s responsibility and that they should actually bear the cost as the property owner has had to bear the issues of the feral cat.”

Cr Luke said her motion at the next council meeting would seek to remove costs and responsibility from the homeowner.

Council information about feral cats, tabled at the meeting, said it intends to make further investments in cat traps and to work with residents who hire the traps in delivering, instructing how to set up and remove any cats trapped from these private properties.

“This is a very time-consuming activity requiring the removal of each cat from a trap,” the council’s business paper states.

“It is also a costly activity for council.

“A total of 36 feral cats have been removed from the streets since July 1, 2025.

“Currently members of the public who trap cats on private property, outside of the domain of council, are responsible for taking the animal to a veterinarian.

“The veterinarian makes an assessment around whether the animal is feral and the animal is either sent home, rehomed or euthanised at the cost of the property owner. This is obviously a deterrent to trapping.”

The council could consider funding the costs associated with staff taking the trapped cat to the veterinarian, the information states.

“Staff time could be absorbed into existing budgets but presently euthanisation costs are $40.40 per animal and disposal costs are $13 per animal,” the comments read.

“Unfortunately trapping in public places is inherently risky, posing a risk of injury to the public should someone tamper with council traps containing a feral cat.

“Council would have some exposure in this regard should an incident occur in a public place.

“Further actions, and associated risks, are currently being considered including the development of an eradication program, targeting feral cats which roam at night, utilising different options.

“It is also important for council to understand that there are some members of the public who hinder eradication efforts by feeding feral cats and even releasing cats that are trapped.”