A CALL FOR THE NON IMPORTATION OF SAVANNAH CATS
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP said today that he and the Coalition do not support the importation of another cat species or any other animal with the potential to escape into the wild and hunt native fauna.
“The Rudd Labor Government has finally responded to the threat posed by the importation of a super-hybrid predator, which could hasten the extinction of small birds, mammals and reptiles. The Savannah Cat, a cross between an African Serval and a ‘standard’ domestic cat, is generally much larger than a domestic cat, and has the ability to become a super predator,” Mr Ruddock said.
A review is to be undertaken under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to consider the importation. Obviously, there is a need to act urgently.
I share concerns of local residents particularly in the rural part of my electorate that already has the highest rate of fauna and flora extinction on the planet. Introducing another potential threat, in the form of another predatory species, could further jeopardise our biodiversity.
In 1997, Australia had an estimated 15 million feral cats. We certainly do not have a shortage of domestic cats or varieties to choose from.
There are many responsible cat owners in Australia. However, the Savannah Cat is a clear threat to native and introduced wildlife and this would have a very direct impact on our native fauna. Cat owners and prospective owners are not spoiled for choice in Australia, and the Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts, the Hon Peter Garrett AM MP, should automatically refuse entry to this species on environmental grounds.
Minister Garrett should also immediately address the need to eradicate a range of introduced predators and other ferals. These include foxes, domestic dogs gone wild, pigs, deer, camels, goats and donkeys.
The Minister has called for submissions on the Savannah Cat matter. I encourage you participate in the inquiry. More details are available at http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/trade-use/invitecomment/savannah-cat.html. Submissions close on Thursday 17 July 2008.