Pets can provide us with hours of pleasure and companionship, but sadly domestic pets have also become one of the major threats to Australia's wildlife. Both feral and domestic cats kill birds and small animals, while dogs are a threat to even our largest birds and animals. Recently Kuranda residents attempted to prevent two dogs from killing a cassowary, which they had chased into the Barron River. The same dogs were later seen chasing wallabies near Jumrun Creek. While such public displays cause community outrage, the sad fact is that every day, wildlife in Kuranda is killed by pets. There are some commonsense ways to limit the damage your pets might do.

Cats

Even well fed cats are natural hunters, especially at night. You can limit their destruction of native wildlife by ensuring that

• your cat is securely constrained (preferably within the house) at night.
  
• unless breeding is essential, have your pet neutered.
• never abandon cats or kittens. They become feral hunters.
  
• attach a collar with a bell. This may save some birds from becoming prey.
  

Kuranda Envirocare would like to see the gradual replacement of cats with more appropriate pets in the Kuranda area. Already one subdivision (Boonooloo Estate) has banned cats, and this sets a great precedent. We need to find ways to ensure that as family pets reach the end of their lives, they are replaced with less harmful substitutes.

Dogs

While dogs may appear to us to be more harmful than cats to wildlife, and they are certainly a much greater threat to larger animals and birds, especially the cassowary, they certainly kill far fewer animals than cats. Since dogs can be controlled by fencing, the harm they can do is also more easily managed. Please ensure that you know the Local Laws relating to dogs. Copies are available from Mareeba Shire Council, PO Box 154, Mareeba, 4880 (Phone: 4030 3900)

Mareeba Shire Council, through its Local Laws, has made a number of decisions affecting all dog owners in Mareeba Shire, which includes the Kuranda area. These include

• All dogs in Mareeba Shire must be registered, regardless of age, unless on farms and other properties zoned Rural A or Rural B.
  
• All dogs are to be prevented from straying by means of a fenced enclosure, appropriate for the type of dog and its welfare. On the spot fines of $120 apply if your dog is not properly enclosed.
  
• If your dog is outside your property it must be on a lead and under the care and control of someone capable of controlling the dog.
  
• Dogs found straying may be impounded, with release fees of $150 and other charges applying.
  
• Dog owners whose dogs chase, attack or endanger people or animals can be prosecuted with penalties of up to $12,000.
  

Choice of a Pet

If you would like assistance in deciding what sort of pet would best suit your situation, PetCare offers an information and advisory service which will help you select breeds that suit your house and yard, and your lifestyle. Phone 1800 331 783, or check out the internet at http//www.petnet.com.au

Native Animals as Pets

While in the longer term suitable native animals may be able to replace cats and dogs as pets, be aware that there are laws preventing the keeping of many native species as pets. Often people want to attract native animals or birds to their gardens, and this is commonly done by feeding them. Sadly, the food we might put out for the wildlife can do more harm than good. Many human foods, such as bread, are actually harmful to wildlife, either directly, or indirectly, through restricting their input of healthier foods. Also putting out food on a regular basis can lead wildlife to become dependant on your handouts, and any sudden loss of this food supply, such as can occur when you are on holidays, or ill, can have a huge impact on the birds or animals that have become dependant on you. There are ways to attract birds and animals that do not cause such problems, such as planting appropriate food plants, and shelter plants, near your home.

Problems with Pets

One person's pet can become another person's nuisance. Local Councils get many complaints about pets. The Local Laws allow residents bothered by other people's pets to take appropriate action.

Anyone who finds straying cats or dogs on their property is entitled to trap the animal (Kuranda Envirocare can supply a trap for cats) and notify Mareeba Shire Council which operates a pound. Impounded animals are destroyed if not collected within two days, with appropriate fees paid. If pets are straying in public places the Shire's Animal Control Officers can take similar action.

Persistant barking by dogs in the neighbourhood is another common cause of complaints. Again the Council has power to act on your complaint. When pets attack people or wildlife, owners may be liable for significant penalties. All pet owners are responsible for taking proper care of their pets according to the law.