Cats targeted to protect birds

A programme to control unowned cats is underway at the Dacre Historical and Esplanade Reserve, and Auckland Council has advised nearby residents to take precautions to ensure their pets remain safe.

Until next April remotely monitored live-capture traps will be active in the area for two weeks each month. The council says the traps will not harm any animals captured and will be checked by the animal management contractor within 24 hours of receiving an alert. Cats will be checked for microchips and signs of socialisation and, where possible, returned to owners, or fitted with a paper collar and released at the edge of the park, unless SPCA or care groups have capacity.

However, cats that are clearly unowned, with no indicators of socialisation, may be humanely euthanised, the council advises.

The programme is designed to protect the roosting sites of kuaka/bar-tailed godwits, which need to feed in peace to prepare for migration to Alaska this winter. The area is also home to dotterels, variable oystercatchers and brown teal.

Council advises pet owners to ensure their pets are microchipped and spayed or neutered to discourage wandering. A cat collar with a name, address and bell will help keep birds safe, along with taking measures to prevent cats from wandering.

The SPCA Snip n Chip campaign supports desexing and microchipping at snipnchip.spca.nz More info: email wildlifeprotectiondacre@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz