ERADICATION METHODS

Eradication Methods

Eradication Methods

Introduction

The extermination strategies are enthusiastically supported by those who view ferals as nuisance animals. However, extermination isn't simple or straightforward and is often counter-productive. No eradication method is 100% effective in eliminating cats from large areas and cats which evade the exterminators breed several times a year depending on climate and available food/shelter, quickly re-colonising the area. Cleared areas have under-utilized food sources which attract new cats from outside. The only way to keep an area cat-free is to remove food sources edible refuse, prey species, handouts by cat-lovers, something which is often impossible or impractical.

Analysis

The whole issue of eradication is an emotive one, not least because of the methods used against cats. Poisoning is indiscriminate. Steel-jaw/leg-hold traps are designed to hold an animal without killing it outright. Humane groups monitoring their use found that the traps maim the victim (shattered leg-bones, tissue damage). Such traps are not selective and also injure protected wild animals and valuable livestock, usually necessitating the destruction of the victim (Veneri et al. 2005). I understand that a WIRES representative obtained photographs of native Australian animals caught in traps. Back-break traps which are intended to kill the victim cannot distinguish between the target animal and non-target animals animals which are attracted to the bait. Because back-break traps are designed for specific species, a non-target animal can suffer horrendous injury, but not be killed (Emilia et al. 2007). Wire snares indiscriminately trap and strangle any suitable sized animal which blunders into it, including native wildlife. Those who seem unconcerned about the humane aspects of traps should consider the fact that using them is totally irresponsible from a wildlife protection point of view (Michael et al, 2002).

Box-trapping is humane if carried out by conscientious groups, but is open to abuse by those who are anti-cat. Lactating cats should be freed for humane reasons (unless the kittens are also collected), domestic pets should also be freed as should wild animals which become trapped (hedgehogs are particularly attracted to cat food and are heavy enough to spring the trap). Less conscientious trappers may simply leave trapped animals (regardless of species) to die of dehydration or starvation to save effort or euthanasia fees (Kodama et al. 2007).

A number of years ago it was reported that feral cats were being trapped in part of Japan. Anyone finding a trap containing a cat was forbidden to release the animal or to provide food or water for the cat's comfort prior to collection and euthanasia. It was alleged that many cats were left to die of dehydration in the traps. Traps may be sprung by wild animals attracted to the bait so they must be checked and reset frequently (Emilia et al. 2007).

Shooting is possible if carried out by a trained marksman. Untrained individuals may injure rather than kill and may misidentify prey. It is impossible to distinguish a feral from a wandering pet at a distance though shooting may be the only safe method if the ...