The number of cats disappearing around Upper Moutere has been described as “shocking” by an owner who says many suspect their felines have been killed by people who don’t like cats.
Sophie Browning has lost two cats recently and is aware of about 30 others that have gone missing in the past few years around Upper Moutere. One local woman in her 70s had a kitten return home with a bullet wound that led to expensive vet bills.
It has got to the point where she says cats need tracking collars, need to be microchipped, and owners need to be on alert to keep cats safe.
“Just about every month someone will lose a cat. Or two months go by and then all of a sudden people will lose five.”
She says many of those who have lost cats know their neighbours do not like cats and will use cat traps to catch and dispose of them, or shoot them on their property.
“I’ve spoken to SPCA and there’s nothing that can be done until they have a cat with a bullet wound and they can then start an investigation into it.
“I do know people who are shooting, but they swear black and blue that they’re shooting wild cats. But how do you know they are wild? You can’t just take out an animal.”
According to SPCA, there is nothing in the Animal Welfare Act that makes it illegal to kill a cat as long as it doesn’t fall under an offence such as causing unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress. However, companion cats are considered property in New Zealand and a person could face criminal and civil liability for harming a cat under the Crimes Act 1961 or face civil liability for damages of the value of the animal.
SPCA scientific officer, Dr Christine Sumner, says the organisation encourages cat owners to keep their cats at home and make sure they are microchipped to help ensure they get home safe.
Sophie is aware of people trapping cats to preserve bird life but says they can’t just eliminate all cats that are often a loved member of a family.
