We have recently learned of a very contentious issue in the news. Prominent New Zealand economist and environmentalist Gareth Morgan has stated that all unregistered cats should be eradicated from the country over a gradual period of time. The reason that he wants this to happen is that he feels the overpopulation of cats (New Zealand has one of the highest cat ownership rates) has contributed to the loss of 9 species of birds native to the country.
Whilst this is indeed true, a lot of cat lovers believe that the methods he is suggesting are far too forceful and inhumane. In addition to saying that all cats should be neutered and kept indoors, Mr Morgan suggests that family cats should not be replaced when they die and people should catch stray cats with cage traps. He also believes that the government should offer “free disposal of cats” due to vets being expensive, and feral cats that are not registered should be euthanized, making the point “neutered cats still kill for pleasure.”
Mr Morgan’s comments seem to have a fair few supporters in New Zealand but we want to know what your views are on his proposals? Let us know you thoughts on this topic in the comments box below.
