The Hilltops Council has launched a new initiative to address the increasing population of feral cats in the area, particularly around Lovell Street and its surrounding neighbourhoods.
Complaints have been growing regarding the safety and public health risks posed by these cats, which have become a significant issue in the town over the past several years.
The Council has expressed particular concern over the cats’ presence in Lovell Street, where they often gather and block the road late at night, creating a potential hazard for drivers. The cats can survive by scavenging from the waste of local vendors, which has led to an increase in their numbers. The situation has sparked safety worries, as well as concerns about disease transmission and the general impact on public health.
To tackle this problem, the Council has rolled out a humane trapping program to safely capture and manage the feral cat population. All trapped cats will be scanned for a microchip, and any cat identified as being lost or stray will be returned to its owner. If no microchip is found, the cat will undergo an assessment to determine whether it is suitable for rehoming. This evaluation will be conducted in partnership with local veterinarians.
The Council is urging pet owners to ensure that their cats are properly microchipped, registered, and that their contact details are kept up-to-date on the **NSW Pet Registry**. This will help avoid confusion between feral and lost domestic cats and ensure that pet owners are held accountable for their animals. By maintaining responsible pet ownership, the community can help prevent further complications related to the feral cat issue.
Residents are also urged not to feed feral or stray cats, as doing so only exacerbates the problem by encouraging more cats to gather in urban areas. Feeding stray cats can also attract more wildlife, creating additional problems for local wildlife and ecosystem health.
The Council’s new initiative aims to reduce the feral cat population humanely, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of both the cats and the community. This program is part of a broader effort to promote responsible pet ownership and environmental care across the region.
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