Pet owners are encouraged to join local film and television actor Myles Pollard, world surfing league family the Macaulay’s, and local vet Dr Richard Lucas in taking the pledge to keep their cats and dogs indoors or contained for Pets’ Night In, Monday 5th June.
Pets’ Night In coincides with World Environment Day on June 5th, and asks pet owners to protect their pets and local wildlife by keeping them safe and contained. Even better, pet owners are encouraged to work towards round-the-clock containment.
Myles Pollard keeps his kitten Satsuki safe by keeping her indoors at night and during the day.
“Being a responsible pet owner means looking after your beloved pet and reducing their impact on the world around them. I also feel much better knowing that Satsuki is safe in our home” Myles said.
Living an active outdoor lifestyle, surfing’s Macaulay family highly values the natural environment of the South West. Keeping their dogs Duke and Sully indoors at night and contained to their property during the day is a priority for surfboard shaper Dave. “Our dogs are part of our family. Knowing they are safe during the day and at night gives us peace of mind, and also protects our native wildlife”, said Dave.
Dr Richard Lucas confirmed that keeping pets contained protects both our pets and local fauna, such as the Western Ringtail Possum. “Keeping pets inside saves lives, both pets and precious native wildlife. The Western Ringtail Possum is critically endangered. Anything we can do to help them has a huge impact due to their low population numbers,” said Dr Lucas.
GeoCatch Project Officer Nicole Lincoln describes the impact that roaming cats have on local wildlife. “Collectively, it is estimated that roaming cats kill 3 billion animals per year, and dogs kept outside at night can cause injury and death to our critically endangered Western Ringtail Possum, and other wildlife,” Nicole said.
Studies have shown that cats and dogs that are kept inside or contained live safer, happier, and healthier lives. South West RSPCA Inspector, Genna Haines, has witnessed some of the devastating impacts on both roaming cats and wildlife in our region.
“I’ve seen first-hand the damage and distress pets can cause local wildlife, and the disease, injury and death that is rife in roaming cat populations,” said Genna.
“We have some incredibly special and diverse wildlife in the South West and these animals deserve respect and protection. That’s why I’m taking the pledge with my three dogs to show support for this great event,” she said.
Pet owners can pledge anytime now in the lead-up to the event. Make your pledge here.
To help spread the message about responsible pet ownership, pet owners are also encouraged to take a selfie of themselves with their furry friend and send to geocatch@dwer.wa.gov.au .
Pets’ Night In is supported by local vet practices Busselton Vet Hospital, GeoVet, Heritage Vets, Vasse Vets, the City of Busselton, RSPCA and SAFE Busselton.
This project is delivered by GeoCatch through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, in partnership with South West Catchments Council.