Photo: Joel Maxwell, Fairfax NZ
While local authorities in other places have limited cat ownership, imposed cat curfews or required that cats not be allowed to roam – chiefly to protect native birds – the Kotuku Parks developer will not even permit indoor cats, according to a report in the Dominion Post.
Kotuku Parks director Alan Fraser said a no-cats covenant was included for the two sections of the subdivision that border the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve.
The company had built high fencing along the edge of the subdivision to keep roaming dogs out of the estuary.
‘But obviously that sort of fencing doesn’t prohibit cats, and that’s why it’s on the covenant.’
He said it was hoped that the cat ban did not upset too many people, but if cats were allowed, the estuary – and all its birdlife – would become their backyard.
At least one buyer has been turned away, even though their cat was an indoor-only pet.
With growing concern over wildlife protection – and the proliferation of stray and feral cats – there is less tolerance these days for free-range cats. We believe that responsible cat owners should be thinking hard about how to keep their pets on their own property, while still ensuring that they have freedom to exercise, play and explore their environment.
An Oscillot cat fence system is one way to let your cat roam safely in your backyard.
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20 July 2016