Long-term thinking is needed to address problems caused by tens of thousands of stray cats roaming around Wellington, says a city councillor.
Photo: ekarin/123RF
It is estimated between 10,000 and 30,000 stray cats live in Wellington, although the total number is not known.
The council is currently working on a new animal policy and public feedback will be discussed on Thursday.
Paul Gilberd, the chair of the environment subcommittee, said long-term plans - like owners microchipping and de-sexing their cats - were the best strategy.
He said re-homing strays was preferable to euthanising them, but hiring an animal control officer would help identify the scale of the problem.
"We are taking a humane approach. We don't believe in euthanasia and exterminating cats. We think cats should be respected and re-housed where possible.
"If we put somebody on the ground to do the hard work, we will get a much better feel for how many stray cats there are."
