Cat cull in council’s pest plan

Cats without microchips found roaming in sensitive environments will be killed under Auckland Council’s new pest eradication programme.

Auckland Council is proposing to spend $307 million over the next 10 years to rein in the region’s pests and protect its ecosystems and threatened species.

The plan will clarify when a cat is a pest based on whether or not it is micro-chipped, which will help identify stray cats.

‘‘There's a high premium on the value of the domestic mog.’’ Daniel Newman.

Any cat found in an ‘‘ecologically significant site’’ without a microchip could be euthanised.

Auckland Council environmental advisory manager Imogen Bassett told councillors at the environment and community committee last week it was a ‘‘very polarising issue’’.

‘‘We’ve tried to balance people’s rights and the value of domestic cats with managing their impacts in high value areas to protect native species,’’ Bassett said.

Auckland councillor Daniel Newman said it would dominate the forthcoming pest debate.

‘‘I can understand the value of the proposition here, but I don’t necessarily believe that the community itself is going to fully appreciate that,’’ Newman said.

‘‘There’s a high premium on the value of the domestic mog. Are you ready for the response from the community?

The plan will be open to public consultation.