There are many valid reasons for keeping a pet: relaxation, companionship, protection, rescue, education, etc. The RSPCA quotes, “There are over 29 million pets in Australia and we have one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world. Approximately 61% of households in Australia own pets, with dogs being the most common (40%), followed by cats (27%).”
It is estimated there are 4.2 million pet dogs and 3.3 million pet cats in Australia.
Domestic cats and dogs have a significant impact on native wildlife. In urban areas, populations of native animals such as possums, gliders, lizards and birds can be severely affected.
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| Bellbird Park |
A study by the Australian National University in 2014 concluded that feral and domestic cats killed 1.5 billion native animals a year! There are about 2.8 million feral cats in Australia and each one kills something like 750 animals per year. Domestic cats can kill as many as 75 native animals each year.
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| McNeilly Park |
In October 2014, 2,452 cats and 8,938 dogs were registered in Baw Baw Shire. In August 2017, the number of registrations had dropped to 2,149 cats and 7,777 dogs. In Baw Baw Shire, pet cats and dogs must be registered and are legally required to be confined to your property.
Further reading
BBS Cat registration and responsibilities LINK
BBS Dog registration and responsibilities LINK
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