WISCA launches new initiative: “BE A RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER”
WISCA has partnered with the Hauraki Gulf Conservation Trust, WWF, Te Korowai O Waiheke, Forest & Bird and the Waiheke Marine Project to help produce the ‘Be a responsible pet owner’ leaflet to help protect the birds and wildlife of Waiheke Island.
ADDING A PET TO THE FAMILY?
DID YOU KNOW?
Pet owners are accountable for the welfare of their pets 24/7, for life. They are also responsible for the impact of their pets on the environment, ensuring all pets live in harmony with birds, wildlife, domestic animals, livestock, neighbours and the general public.
Before welcoming a new pet, make sure you can tick all these boxes:
Adopting from a rescue not from a breeder or shop
Own a home or rent a longterm pet-friendly house
Financially secure
Extra budget for insurance and emergencies
Time for training, socialising and care
Reliable support and pet sitter
Pets are more likely to have predatory urges if they don’t form a close bond with their home or owners, are bored, not exercised enough, left alone, allowed to wander, or have learned to chase, and other destructive habits.
OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS
Proactive pet owners with pets who are:
Contained on their own property
Under control or on leash when out
Properly trained and socialised
Desexed, microchipped and registered on the NZ Companion Animal Register
Wearing a collar and identification tag
KNOW WHERE YOUR PET IS AT ALL TIMES
Keeping your pet supervised and confined keeps your pets, birds and wildlife safe.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
Feed pets a balanced breakfast and dinner
Include real meat in your cat’s diet
Never leave pets unsupervised or alone for long periods of time
Eliminate boredom with exercise, games and play
Avoid games that mimic predatory behaviour (chasing and pouncing)
Avoid toys that are tasty (treat dispensers) or life-like (feathers)
Aversion training with dogs and cats
Use experienced pet sitters
Limit travel on boats and to holiday houses
Keep pets indoors for 2 weeks to bond to a new house
Never have bird feeders in the yard
All pet owners have a responsibility to ensure that their pets behave well and are supervised (when out) and contained (when at home).
WE SUGGEST CATS
Wear a quick release collar with a bell
Wear a colourful bird warning collar
Explore on a harness and lead
Stay indoors predusk to post-dawn
Play and relax in a catio (fully enclosed outdoor cat patio)
WE SUGGEST DOGS
Avoid bush & coastal bird nesting areas
Avoid Blue Penguin areas at Matiatia and Kennedy Point boat ramps and rocks
Are on a leash or under control at all times
Have excellent recall and “leave it” response times
Are muzzled if prey-driven or untrained
Are discouraged from chasing birds and wildlife
Play and relax indoors or in a fenced yard
WHY ARE MICROCHIPPING AND DESEXING IMPORTANT?
MICROCHIPPING & REGISTRATION
Speeds up the identification of a found or roaming pet and they can be quickly reunited with their owner which:
Reduces the stress on the pet, owner and community
Reduces the time spent fending for themselves, preying on birds and wildlife
Reduces the chance of being considered a stray and rehomed or euthanised
DESEXING
Reduces breeding and unwanted litters
Reduces pets given away as gifts
Reduces tendency to roam
Reduces spraying, predation, and fighting
Improves the long-term health of the pet
DO YOU NEED HELP?
It’s never ok to neglect, abandon or dump an animal. If you are struggling to cope or unable to provide your pet with the care it needs, or you find a distressed or deceased animal, please contact WISCA for advice and support.
CONTACTS:
WISCA
Waiheke Island Society for the Care of Animals
027 539 5107
Te Korowai O Waiheke
Predator Free Waiheke
0800 2473 7664
Native Bird Rescue
020 473 9464
Wildlife Rescue
09 372 6744