Tuesday, 27 July 2021, 4:10 pm
The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) has added
its voice to the concerns already expressed by the Central
Otago community and Predator
Free NZ about feral cats being released
onto rural properties in an attempt to manage rabbit and
rodent populations.
"We acknowledge that the intention
of the programme comes from a good place. However, we share
concerns about the impacts these cats will have on the
native wildlife population," says Dr Helen Beattie, NZVA’s
Chief Veterinary Officer.
"There is no guarantee that
the cats will only hunt rabbits and rodents. Native species
will also be hunted, as we know that cats are not specific