North Shore Times (New Zealand)
UNRULY CATS NEED RULES
I read with interest the various comments put forward by readers regarding cats and, although I love animals, I believe that the Government should bring in rules for cats as well as dogs.
My residence is surrounded by people who own cats and my garden is used as a public toilet; mostly my vegetable garden and on my lawns. My property is fully fenced, so it is not dogs leaving their droppings.
We used to have an abundance of birds in our garden but sadly the numbers have dwindled rapidly. We once had a dovecote but everyone of the white China doves was killed by neighbouring cats, leaving feathers scattered everywhere.
Cats are predators and they do stalk and kill birds; especially baby birds who don’t stand a chance.
The cats keep me awake at night with their howling, and run all over my roof. They spray everywhere and the stench is disgusting especially when the sun gets on it.
If they were kept in at night and on their own properties, their owners would have to clean up their mess rather than their neighbours.
Marion Morton
Glenfield
RAT TRAPS REQUIRED
My concerns are about the currently inefficient public rubbish collection.
On Sunday, 16/7/17 in Chartwell Avenue shopping centre, the overflowing bins were notified to Auckland Council at 9am and at 11.30am. The council was notified again that the contractor had picked up only the overflowing rubbish.
I checked with shop owners and they had not cleared the rubbish themselves. I am angry if this is the quality of service we can now expect from the new council contractor. Bring back Recreational Services!
While this problem is unsightly and suggests inefficient management by the new contractor, my main concern is the effect this will have on the existing rodent problem on the North Shore.
A council officer acknowledged the problem last month when I complained about large rats in my Glenfield street.
It is not just overflowing bins that attract vermin. Other residential and commercial practices, eg, throwing bread and food scraps out for the birds, airdrying meat in open windows, gutting fish in the open, leaving accumulated rubbish for
‘OPPOSITION’ PARTIES
It seems that the various parties arguing for voters, are much more concerned with trying to demolish the other nongovernment parties, trying to one up them and take votes from them, rather than focussing on the Government they say they want to replace.
So the tug-of-war between them goes on, in fact escalates, while the government party can sit back, unscathed, enjoying the pantomime.
National, will likely be laughing all the way to the ballot box.
Tony Holman
Northcote Point
HAVE YOUR SAY
Letters should not exceed 250 words and must have full name, residential address and phone number. The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or withhold any correspondence without explanation. Letters may be referred to others for right of reply before publication. Email: nsnews@snl.co.nz Mail: North Shore Times, PO Box 79, Orewa.