Community considers phasing out felines

New Zealand town wants to protect native wildlife

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Omaui, an idyllic coastal town on the South Island of New Zealand that overflows with rare bird species, is home to just 35 people and seven or eight much-loved cats.

But a new proposal to phase out felines to preserve native wildlife susceptible to predators has raised the hackles of some cat-loving residents. Among other things, they worry rodents will breed out of control.

“We’re not supporting feral cats, but there are people who have doubts here about the plan,” said Terry Dean, 75, a longtime resident.

The proposed ban would impose a sunset clause for cats in Omaui, meaning that once a cat died, its owners would not be allowed to replace it. If the policy is approved, cat owners will have six months to register existing cats with the regional council and have them microchipped and neutered.

After the six-month grace period, no new felines would be permitted — and families moving to the area would have to get rid of their cats first. Those ignoring the policy would be encouraged to send their cats away from Omaui, with seizure of cats by the council a last resort.

The proposal is part of a pest control plan that lays out protection measures against 72 predators.

Ali Meade, the regional council’s biosecurity and biodiversity manager, said cats posed real risks to New Zealand’s unique fauna, which had “evolved in isolation from mammals.”

“They grew up with strange ways of living, like birds that nest on the ground and can’t fly; really naïve behaviors,” she said.

During his 35 years living in Omaui, Dean said he has always kept a cat, and he did not relish the thought of Mr. Whiskers — his current pet — becoming his last.

“Once you lose the cats, you’ve lost the ability to control the nasties in the bush,” he said. “They do a marvelous job keeping the rodent population under control.”

The town’s 35 residents have eight weeks to give feedback to the regional council on the proposal.