Source : Perth Now news
East Fremantle could consider tighter restrictions on where dogs and cats are allowed to roam amid concerns over the spread of bird flu between wild birds and domestic animals.
H5 avian influenza has been detected in a small number of wild seabirds in WA and can cause severe disease and high death rates in poultry and wild birds, while occasionally spreading to mammals including dogs and cats.
Cr Jenny Harrington successfully moved at the town’s August council meeting for clearer and more accessible information about bird flu to be provided to residents.
The motion passed unanimously after Cr Harrington said she was “amazed” by how many people did not know bird flu existed.
“I looked on our website to see what we could find, and in the bowels of the website there were some government items that said that we should be looking at certain issues about it,” she said.
“I think what I’m envisioning is to have a website page or something that is very clear and easy to understand, that people don’t have to go searching around through the files to find.”
The motion calls for information about the risks of bird flu to be published through the town’s existing communication channels, consistent with State and Federal advice.
It also calls for information about responsible pet ownership, including consideration of “responsible cat ownership and cat containment measures” in any future report to council.
Cr Harrington raised concerns about dogs interacting with sick birds in off-lead areas and free-roaming cats catching infected wildlife.
“Dog park areas with dog off-lead or water areas like down on John Tonkin Beach, that is to be dog on-leash from now on in case they go and eat or handle a sick bird,” she said.
“There’s also the cats to be contained. That’s not about anything to do with harming cats. That’s to do with grannies or children who love cats, to protect their animals from becoming sick from eating birds at night time that they shouldn’t be doing.”
Town chief executive Jonathan Throssell stressed the motion did not introduce any new pet restrictions, but was instead aimed at giving bird flu messaging “a higher profile”.
He said any new rules or signage would require a separate council decision.
“There would have to be additional consideration for that. And I’m not sure that I’d be able to provide that advice tonight without fully considering that impact,” he said.
“Rather than make the decision tonight, you can call for a report about whether or not we can review dog off-leash areas and put signage up in regards to this matter.”
That proposal did not progress after failing to attract support from another councillor.
Cr Cliff Collinson said introducing restrictions on dogs and cats could trigger a significant public reaction, but the issue may need to be revisited.
“In terms of safety, it may well be necessary,” he said.
“And as councillor Harrington also pointed out, the cats could also be spreading it with their tendency to attack native wildlife. So I’m not sure we can do a lot there, but at least this is a step in the process.”
According to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, WA has recorded 10 positive bird flu cases since June 19.
There were no additional positive cases recorded as of August 28.
