Cat busters condemned Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au IMAGES on a Facebook page dedicated to the killing of feral cats have been called “disturbing” by federal Liberal MP for Flinders Greg Hunt. Mr Hunt, appointed as Industry, Innovation and Science Minister in a Coalition government cabinet reshuffle last week, was contacted by The Times for comment on the Cat Busters page while still Environment Minister. In 2014 Mr Hunt launched a $10 million federal government program “to tackle feral cats”, as part of a Threatened Species Strategy, across Australia since the wild cats pose a threat to native animals. Despite the government’s push to eradicate feral cats, Mr Hunt cautioned against people taking matters into their own hands. “The images on the Cat Busters Facebook page are disturbing,” he said in a statement. “The federal government condemns the messages and information portrayed on the site and will report any inhumane treatment of animals to the relevant state authorities. “The federal government does not encourage individuals to shoot or trap feral cats.” The creators of the Cat Busters page came under fire earlier this month when flyers were distributed in the Frankston area notifying residents stray cats (‘Who you gonna call? Not Cat Busters’, The Times 18/7/16). Cat Busters representative Matt Trim told The Times the group does not shoot in residential areas or kill domestic stray cats, preferring to use cages to trap the errant pets during council mandated curfew times. Mr Hunt faced criticism from global animal rights activists, including French actress Brigette Bardot and Steven Morrissey, the former singer of English indie band The Smiths,
BUY DIRECT & SAVE! 20% OFF
SOLITAIRE Blockout Roller Blinds
Building? Bring in your Cats call: Facebook page of the Cat Busters group contains several images of dead feral cats and urges culling of the wild animals. Picture source: Facebook
house plans for a FREE estimate
over the government’s allegedly “inhumane” plans to kill 2 million feral cats across Australia over five years. Mr Hunt stuck to his guns saying the government eradicates feral cats in accordance with the RSPCA’s “criteria of humane, effective and justifiable culling”. The Liberal MP for Flinders said the government has also allocated $4 million to the development of a poison called Curiosity to kill cats. “It is a highly effective and humane feral cat bait that is currently being assessed for use and is expected to be available shortly.”
AWNINGS FANTASTIC DEALS ON HOUSE LOTS
Quality Basswood Shutters at unbeatable prices
ALL ROLLER BLINDS ARE LOCALLY MADE IN OUR OWN FACTORY. Quality & Service at the right g p price. Call for a
FREE
Ready to roll: Variety Club Big Bash competitors John Mackie, left, and John Crossin, prepare for another eventful journey in their Car 86.
Bashful charity fun THE lure of the Outback is calling long-standing Variety Club Big Bash contestants John Crossin, John Mackie and Geoff Adshead. The Mornington men are looking forward to another drive with their “family of 320 people from all walks of life” when they head for Darwin, Wednesday 10 August, and – hopefully – arrive at the Top End, Saturday 20 August. The drive takes in scenic country from Mildura to Wilpena Pound, Coober Pedy, Eri-
dunda, Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, Tennant Creek and Katherine. Over the past 13 years the men’s Car 86 has raised $242,000 for special needs kids on its annual bashes. A function at Beaches of Mornington on Sunday 17 July raised $5620. Last year Variety distributed almost $12 million to 135,878 special needs, disadvantaged and sick children. Cars in the bash must be at least 30 years old, licenced, insured and roadworthy.
Measure & Quote
50 Hartnett Drive, Seaford (Opposite Vic Roads) 9782 4142
19 Treloar Lane, Pakenham
(Opposite Pakenham Central) 5940 3866
Established 1997
www.jaleighblinds.com.au Frankston Times
25 July 2016
PAGE 5
