Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L01747:reg:4:p77
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L01747
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 4 (pt 77/80)
Character Range: 290615–295502

and pet cats on the population viability of select native species occurring in areas near human habitation and infrastructure (see Action 3.2).
                                                                                         * Monitor cat densities across a set of sites (cities-towns-remote communities-farms), preferably with contrasting management in place; use to improve estimates for the population size of feral cats living near human habitation and infrastructure; and to describe how far the 'cat halo' (high peri-urban density of cats) extends into natural environments.
                                                                                         * Determine the extent to which pet cats and urban feral cats breed with, and maintain the populations of, feral cats living in natural environments (use population genetics).
                                                                                         * Monitor prevalence of cat-borne pathogens and disease in wild animals across the urban-rural interface to assess extent to which high densities of cats in urban areas act as a reservoir for disease-causing pathogens that may spread across native species.
                                                                                         * Assess impacts of cat predation on the viability of introduced (potential pest) species in developed areas, and develop management responses if it is likely that some pests will increase in prevalence or impact following enhanced cat management.
Maintain public support
9.5                                                                                  Maintain and increase broad public support for improved cat management near human habitation and infrastructure, for conservation, cat welfare, human health, and livestock production outcomes.                                                                                                                                                                                   High       High                                            Researchers; AMRRIC (for First Nations communities); veterinary sector (peak bodies and practices); animal shelters and rescue/(re)homing groups                                                                              Starting immediately
                                                                                         * Identify potential drivers of attitudinal and behavioural change that would support better pet management.
                                                                                         * Understand reasons for increasing cat ownership in First Nations communities, and barriers to reversing that trend.
                                                                                         * Understand the level of public acceptance for different control options for feral cats living around human habitation and infrastructure.
                                                                                         * Raise community awareness about the features and benefits (to cats and wildlife) of responsible pet ownership practices; and of the limitations of TNR.
9.6                                                                                  Work with the farming industry to leverage their support for cat control and management in livestock production areas, using a One Health approach.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                High       Medium                                          National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordinator; applicable rural research and development corporations (e.g. MLA); state and national farm organisations; veterinary sector; AMRRIC; Wildlife Health Australia             Starting immediately
                                                                                         * Disseminate information about the economic costs of cat-borne pathogens and their diseases to livestock production.
                                                                                         * Develop best practice guidelines for reducing impacts of cats as disease vectors on livestock production, and as threats to wildlife around farms.
                                                                                         * Engage with grain farmers to understand level of any concerns about the impacts of cat control and management on introduced rodent populations, and how these concerns could be addressed.
9.7                                                                                  Work with the veterinary community to leverage their support for improved pet and feral cat management around towns, in a One