The Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) has raised substantial concerns regarding the Government’s newly proposed Feral Cat Threat Abatement Plan, which now encompasses domestic and semi-domestic cats.
According to the latest draft of the plan, cats will be classified into just two categories: feral or pet. This revision means that domestic cats permitted outdoors, un-microchipped cats, stray cats, or semi-owned cats—those that have some dependence on humans—will be reclassified as feral. Consequently, these cats could be managed under the new legislation as if they were true feral cats.
AWLQ acknowledges the pressing issue of feral and unmanaged domestic cats impacting Australia’s native wildlife and ecosystems. The organization supports the government’s investment in research and technology aimed at humane management of Australia’s feral cat populations. However, AWLQ urges the Government to reconsider the broad inclusion of domestic cats within the Feral Cat Threat Abatement Plan.
“We fully support efforts to protect Queensland’s ecosystems and mitigate the detrimental effects that feral cats have on native species,” said AWLQ CEO Katie Garrett.
“Nevertheless, domestic and semi-domestic cats deserve compassion and respect. The proposed measures, although intended to protect wildlife, fail to differentiate between genuinely feral cats and those living in urban environments with varying degrees of human interaction.”
AWLQ is concerned that the current plan insufficiently distinguishes between feral cats and lost, stray, or community-cared-for cats, which could lead to the unnecessary destruction of domestic cats that are owned, semi-owned, or simply un-microchipped.
“Australia prides itself on its compassion towards animals,” Garrett emphasized.
“Any policy impacting pets or community-cared-for animals should reflect these values. We urge the Government to consult with experts and exclude domestic cats from this plan, focusing instead on targeted management techniques for owned, semi-owned, and stray domestic cats.”
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