Seventy-five families have joined local film and TV actor Myles Pollard, world surfing league family the Macaulay’s, and local vets by committing to keep their pets contained or inside for ‘Pets’ Night In’.
Organised by GeoCatch, the second annual Pet’s Night In encourages responsible pet ownership to help keep pets safe and protect local wildlife from wandering animals.
GeoCatch and the Pets’ Night In ambassadors asked pet owners to make an online pledge to keep their cats and dogs inside for a 12-hour window and beyond. 105 pets were tucked up inside, safe from the risk of motor vehicle incidents, poisoning, cat and dog fights, disease transmission, and unwanted vet bills.
GeoCatch Officer Nicole Lincoln says a significant number of wildlife have been protected from harm during the 12-hour window. This demonstrates how easy it can be to look after our wildlife beyond Pets’ Night In.
“If these pet owners continue to keep their pets inside, we can save an estimated 11,550 native animals annually. Imagine what could be achieved with more pet owners on board,” said Nicole.
1,600 cats are registered within the City of Busselton, so there is a lot of potential to save wildlife from death or injury by keeping them contained.
GeoCatch Chair and local vet Dr. Felicity Bradshaw says, on average, one roaming cat can kill up to 110 native animals a year.
“Like cats, dogs can also cause harm to wildlife due to their curiosity and predatory instincts, particularly at night when possums are active,” said Felicity.
GeoCatch will keep the pledge page open for those wishing to pledge beyond Pets’ Night In. Pet owners can pledge anytime online at the GeoCatch website, and there are plenty of resources available online to support pet owners in keeping their pets contained, such as catio building design ideas.
GeoCatch and leading animal welfare groups RSPCA and SAFE Busselton advocate for 24-hour containment of dogs and cats.
This event was strongly supported and made possible through partnerships with Myles Pollard, the Macaulay Family, Dr. Richard Lucas of Busselton Vet Hospital, GeoVet (Busselton & Capel), Heritage Vet Hospital, Vasse Vets, Dunsborough Vets, City of Busselton, RSPCA and SAFE Busselton and is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, in partnership with South West Catchments Council.
For further information or resources visit geocatch.asn.au
