Habitat Destruction

Habitat destruction by mankind causes native wildlife to decline while the more adaptive cat survives. If cats had done even a quarter of the damage claimed in the past 200 years, there would be no small native animals of any description left in Australia.

Eradication does not work

Cats have been in Australia for at least 500 years.  Methods used for eliminating “ferals” have included trapping, poisoning, shooting, and viral agents which are short term, inhumane and hazardous to pets, farm animals and wildlife.  Once an area is vacated new cats flock in, but these are more cautious and disease resistant.

Environmental benefits of cats

There would be a huge increase in the number of rabbits, rats and mice if it were not for cats.  Cats also replace the natural predators we have decimated, predators such as the wedge tailed eagle and quoll.  Predators are needed in any eco system to eliminate the weak and maintain the health of the species.

Do People need cats

Yes. Cats and other companion animals are an essential part of Australian life; they are the main defence against loneliness, for many, especially the sick, old and housebound. The Barker Medical Research Institute figures indicate that Australia saves $1.5 billion a year because of the health benefits of companion animal ownership.

The sad facts

We live in a society where putting thousands of companion animals to death instead of finding alternate solutions to the problem of homelessness is the norm.  This is a sad but true fact. Cats especially exit pounds via “euthanasia” at a rate of 99% in some shelters.

The World League’s position and aims

The World League for Protection of Animals has no shelter or cattery and very limited trapping facilities.  The majority of calls to us are to do with unwanted urban free-living cats.  The WLPA prides itself on its NO – KILL policy, which it rigorously maintains in all its work defending and protecting all animals native and non – native.  This policy has led WLPA to the de-sex and return ideal of caring for many of Sydney’s abandoned cats and cat colonies. WLPA also offers some financial assistance for people on low incomes to help with de-sexing costs.  

De-Sex and Return

De-sex and Return is the practice of de-sexing free-living cats and returning them to their environment to live out their natural lives. The alternative could be to leave them to breed into larger numbers. The World League is actively involved in a number of colonies in Sydney.  The result is a colony of cats that are manageable in a city environment. De-sexing the cats results in no unwanted kittens leaving the cats to maintain their territory keeping other cats out of the area.  These free-living cats are fed by a reliable group of local people, who often work as a team.  It is rewarding work.  

Temporary carers

This is foster care for abandoned or sometimes re-homeable colony kittens while World League finds them a home.  The World League runs a Voluntary Temporary Carers Program. Our carers and also colony feeders find this work very rewarding. If you would like to become involved please call WLPA

Please remember to always de-sex your companion animal

If you own pets please de-sex them.  Abandoned unclaimed or semi stray animals wandering the streets need care as well. Ask your local council to implement a program in conjunction with NO-KILL animals rights groups and local veterinaries to subsidize or cover the costs of de-sexing homeless animals and animals owned by low income people. 

Owning or caring for an animal

Owning an animal is a big responsibility. Companion animals can live for 20 years and like people require not just food and shelter but need love and friendship.  Also a new owner needs to be educated in the needs of the breed of animal they choose, as  some are not suited to city environments or require certain conditions. Also animals will at times require veterinary attention(just like a human needs a doctor).

Surrendered animals often come from owners buying on impulse.  Most surrendered animals are euthanased.  

Homeless companion animals

If you find an abandoned animal and cannot keep him or her or are in the position where you may have to surrender an animal and have exhausted all possible ways of keeping or re-homing them, then always be 100 % sure they go to a NO-KILL organization.