A new cat management project is being launched in Dodges Ferry aimed at keeping cats safe and healthy while protecting the area’s important wildlife habitat.
Ten Lives Cat Centre and Sorell Council are teaming up for the initiative, which builds on a similar project in Midway Point.
Ten Lives CEO Noel Hunt said Dodges Ferry was chosen because of its high conservation value, rich native plants and important wildlife habitat.
“Roaming and feral cats pose a significant threat to local species, making responsible cat management a priority for the region,” he said.
The first stage of the project is a community survey asking residents to share their experiences with owned and stray cats.
Feedback will be analysed to identify key themes and help guide the next steps of the program.
“Keeping cats safely at home is one of the most effective ways to protect both pets and wildlife,” Hunt said.
“Cats that are safely contained at home live longer, healthier lives and face far fewer risks from cars, disease and other dangers.”
He said hearing directly from residents was vital to shaping the project’s direction.
“We will be working with the Dodges Ferry community to support responsible pet ownership and help families keep their cats safe, happy and well-cared-for,” he said.
The project is backed by Ten Lives, Sorell Council and Landcare Tasmania.
Sorell Mayor Janet Gatehouse said protecting the natural areas that make Dodges Ferry special is more important than ever as the region grows.
“This project is an important step in supporting healthy wildlife and ecosystems,” Gatehouse said.
“Sorell Council is committed to working closely with the community to develop practical, long-term solutions for responsible cat management.”
Landcare Tasmania CEO Peter Stronach said Dodges Ferry is a landscape of high ecological value with natural habitats supporting a wide range of native species.
“This is exactly the information we need from the community and is a great first step taken by Sorell Council and Ten Lives,” Stronach said.
