CONCERNS about feral cats in the Jindabyne town centre have got council's attention.
The Snowy River Shire Council was alarmed to hear about the extent of the feral cat problem in and around the Jindabyne town centre at their February meeting.
Jindabyne resident Helen Adey spoke at the council meeting about the feral cat problem in the town centre and presented hundreds of signatures collected from concerned community members.
Ms Adey said she gave an overview of the explosion in feral cat numbers and the problems they were creating for businesses and wildlife.
"I collected about 314 signatures on petitions left at two local businesses over a period of only nine days, the Caltex and Mountain Munchies," Ms Adey said.
"I was pleased with Council's response, they were listening."
Snowy River Shire Council mayor John Cahill said the feral cat problem was a very expensive issue for council and any cost wasn't included in the budget.
He added that action is forthcoming, and council's compliance officer is working on the the issue, but there is not a budget line for the problem.
"With 60 or more feral cats, we are concerned about the amount of money needed to deal with the problem," Cr Cahill said.
"They need to be caught, scanned and then put down if they are not microchipped. It is a long way from being cost effective, and the nearest pound is at Berridale.
"There is no curfew on cats in this shire, which is unfortunate. Domestic cats will be mixed up with ferals. Domestics not chipped will be treated as feral.
"Understandably it becomes an emotional issue, not to mention the effect on local wildlife. It is a cause of great concern and we will be talking to National Parks about the issue as well."
Cr Cahill said there is also a feral cat problem in Berridale but not as bad as in the Jindabyne town centre.
"We will be examining alternatives for council.
"Council is already trapping cats, but faced with the numbers and the difficulties and dangerous nature of handling feral cats this is a serious problem."
