Feral cats declared a pest in WA to protect native species

The McGowan Government has today declared feral cats a pest in WA in an effort to protect vulnerable native wildlife from extinction.

State Agriculture Minister Alannah MacTiernan announced feral cats would be added to the declared pest list to support native bird, reptile and mammal conservation efforts.

It will allow recognised biosecurity groups to tap into the Declared Pest Rate initiative’s funds, with the State Government to match funding.

Ms MacTiernan said the declaration would safeguard 36 mammal, 22 bird and 11 reptile species from feral cat predation.

“While I acknowledge feral cat control is an uncomfortable topic for many who are cat lovers, we have an obligation to protect our native wildlife,” she said.

“Feral cats kill approximately 272 million birds per year in Australia, as well as many mammals, frogs and reptiles.

“The declaration of feral cats in WA supports the enormous effort by many organisations around the State to protect and recover our biodiversity and native fauna.”

Foxes, wild dogs, feral camels, feral goats and feral pigs are among WA declared pests under the State’s Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act.

WA Environmental Minister Stephen Dawson said the feral cat declaration would bolster pest control.

“Predation by feral cats is recognised as a key factor in the decline of multiple native mammal species, ground nesting birds and reptile species,” he said.

“Control of feral predators is a vital part of ensuring the survival of our native animals.”

Feral cats live and reproduce in the wild, surviving by hunting and scavenging.