Expert to review options affecting unwanted cats and dogs

An independent expert will advise the State Government on a preferred means by which Queensland can tackle the increasing number of cats and dogs euthanased each year.

The decision to engage the independent expert follows an evaluation of responses to a 2007 discussion paper “Managing unwanted cats and dogs’’.

Details of the responses have been released by Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin and Local Government Minister Warren Pitt.

“More than 5300 submissions were received to the discussion paper with the vast majority indicating that the current system has failed to reduce the number of unwanted cats and dogs,’’ Mr Pitt said.

Included in the statistics of the 4393 electronic responses to the survey were:

• 93 per cent were concerned about unwanted cats and dogs;
• 91 per cent supported state-wide registration
• 95 per cent supported micro-chipping.

“There was widespread support for mandatory registration and identification of cats and dogs and responsible pet ownership education.

“There was also a call for further research into the extent the stray cat population has on the number of cats euthanased and the effectiveness of mandatory desexing in reducing euthanasia rates.

“But there is a division of opinion on the issue of the most effective manner of achieving widespread desexing.’’

Mr Mulherin said the appointed expert would be asked to review all available evidence and identify a preferred approach to address the overpopulation of cats and dogs in the Queensland context.

“According to the latest RSPCA figures, in the financial year 2006-07 58,480 cats were accepted from the community – 17,093 in Queensland. Only 40 per cent in Queensland were reclaimed or rehomed.

“During the same period in Queensland 17,456 dogs were received with 60 per cent reclaimed or rehomed.

“The Animal Welfare League estimates that it cares for more than 10,000 stray and abandoned companion animals on the Gold Coast and surrounding areas every year.

“This is a very real issue and very real concerns have been expressed by the public.

“It is vital that we get this right,’’ Mr Mulherin said.

A report outlining a preferred approach based on the expert’s recommendations will be prepared for the government’s consideration.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Minister Mulherin’s Office 3239 6530