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I don't think these ideas are that strange, at least in the sense that cats allowed to roam outside (which many domestic cats are, even not counting ferals) are a hazard to delicate ecosystems and birdlife. I can see how a conservationist would have something to say about it. He's never going to succeed with forcing everyone to phase out cat ownership though.
I'd say a cat owner educational outreach operation might make more sense. Like advising owners to keep cats inside, putting bells on collars, TNR for ferals...that sort of thing.
I don't think these ideas are that strange, at least in the sense that cats allowed to roam outside (which many domestic cats are, even not counting ferals) are a hazard to delicate ecosystems and birdlife. I can see how a conservationist would have something to say about it. He's never going to succeed with forcing everyone to phase out cat ownership though.
I'd say a cat owner educational outreach operation might make more sense. Like advising owners to keep cats inside, putting bells on collars, TNR for ferals...that sort of thing.
It makes even more sense because of the particular ecosystem involved. Before humans brought over cats (and rodents), New Zealand had very few predatory species. I agree the ban will never happen, though.
On a side note, Singapore has basically banned cats. The vast majority of citizens live in HDB flats, which are actually owned by the government. Cats are banned in HDB flats, and since that covers most people, cats are more or less banned.
My son lives in Singapore and he has sent many pictures of bird festivals where people gather to show off their birds. Quite a popular hobby over there and I can see how that would happen if cats are banned but I surely would hate to live anywhere where cats are banned--at least keep the indoor only cats and levy fines for those who let their cats out. actually wish we had something like that here.
And registration for ownership is one thing, but I think that anyone who breeds cats (or dogs!) should be required to have a license to do so, and be inspected by some agency periodically. Everyone else who just has a pet cat or dog should be required to have them spayed/neutered.
This of course is all if a given government was a sane, rational, benevolent entity out to serve the common public good, as opposed to the madness that permeates most government institutions.
That guy is a total nutball - New Zealanders would do well to toss that guy into the ocean during shark season...lol. New Zealand has one of the highest rate of kitty ownership in the world, so that may very well happen...lol.
I don't think cats should be required to be kept indoors either, as many people are allergic to cat litter, not to mention the santiary issue of waste disposal, and I doubt many people would bother with "registration" - I know I wouldn't.
As for the birdies, well, they're just going to have to learn to move a bit quicker...lol. If they evolved to be flightless because of the lack of predators, they'll just have to re-evolve their wings back again...lol.
My son lives in Singapore and he has sent many pictures of bird festivals where people gather to show off their birds. Quite a popular hobby over there and I can see how that would happen if cats are banned but I surely would hate to live anywhere where cats are banned--at least keep the indoor only cats and levy fines for those who let their cats out. actually wish we had something like that here.
I was considering moving there some five years ago. There's a lot that I like, but when I found out I was almost certainly not be able to keep cats...well, let's just say I'm still in good old NJ, USA.
Everyone, not just those with cats, benefits from them by reduction in vermin. And I understand NZ has one of the world's highest rates of homes with cats.
I don't think cats should be required to be kept indoors either, as many people are allergic to cat litter, not to mention the santiary issue of waste disposal, and I doubt many people would bother with "registration" - I know I wouldn't.
There are all kinds of litters out there. No one can be allergic to them all. Is it any more sanitary to get someone's cat's feces on their hands when gardening? Or a child get cat feces on them in their sandboxes?
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As for the birdies, well, they're just going to have to learn to move a bit quicker...lol. If they evolved to be flightless because of the lack of predators, they'll just have to re-evolve their wings back again...lol.
Cats rule!
It's people with your selfish uncaring attitude that cause the problems for both cats and wildlife.
Everyone, not just those with cats, benefits from them by reduction in vermin. And I understand NZ has one of the world's highest rates of homes with cats.
That would apply if cats only killed vermin. But they do not. They kill almost anything they can overpower including small snakes, lizards, skinks, young waterfowl.....
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