A 2023 study by the Australian National University found that free-roaming pet cats kill around 66 million native animals each year in Sydney alone.

WEPA notes with concern that ‘lost cat’ callouts are almost a daily occurrence in local community Facebook pages, on telegraph poles and public bulletin boards. Often these cats are missing for days, which is stressful for owners, but also deadly for wildlife that fall prey to these roaming cats.

The NSW Companion Animals Act is the legislative framework for the management of pet cats and dogs. It has not been updated for two decades and currently prevents local councils from establishing cat containment policies that could protect our vulnerable wildlife in NSW. We can’t change the predatory nature of cats, but NSW decision-makers can act to improve protections for wildlife.

WEPA has provided feedback in a recent and much needed review of the NSW CA Act, calling for sensible amendments such as 24/7 cat containment, mandatory cat desexing and empowerment of Council to enforce these new regulations.

Containment regulations would also benefit pet cats who live up 10 years longer when car impacts, dog attacks and a range of diseases are avoided.

Responsible dog control was also explored in the review. Unfortunately, off–leash dogs are a common sight in local bushland reserves, putting at risk our resident birds and reptiles including lyrebirds, water dragons and pythons. Discarded dog faeces are a major contributor to Sydney water pollution, threatening aquatic wildlife and human health. Water contamination is exacerbated by toxins, antibiotics and drugs present in faeces.

WEPA highlighted the need for improved regulations, empowerment of local councils and provision of support tools for Council officers, as well as a dedicated public education campaign.

Critically, to end the tragic dumping of pets, prospective owners must be fully informed of all potential costs relating to the upkeep of a healthy companion animal, prior to taking ownership. There must be rigorous standards for pet breeders, and a total ban on any sales through pet stores to discourage “impulse” buying of pets, especially at Christmas. Prospective pet owners should be made aware of fostering and adoption options.

We urgently need stronger policies, education, and support for NSW pet owners so that the obligation to act responsibly is clearly understood and rigorously managed.

You can read the full WEPA submission here.