The Mount Gambier and District Residents and Ratepayers Association will host a meeting to discuss its concerns about animal welfare in the community.


Association chairman Di Ind said issues around handling and management of stray and injured animals had been highlighted over recent months, particularly during peak cat breeding season.


“The Mount Gambier City Council has declined to become actively involved in cat management to date and left the enormous burden (financial, physical and emotional) on concerned citizens and volunteer rescue groups,” Ms Ind said.


“New legislation about cat management is in the pipeline and many organisations and councils have been proactive in consultation with their communities about what this means and how they can deal with the many challenges.


“Unfortunately, this has not been the case in our local area. As the MGCC has called an information/briefing session in early February, to discuss the by-laws, it is timely to look at how the community expects the MGCC to address this issue and to present our concerns for consideration.”


The association has organised a community meeting on January 15 at 5.30pm to discuss community concerns and propose strategies for MGCC consideration.


Ms Ind said Mount Gambier City Council, Grant District Council and Wattle Range Council representatives have been invited along with key animal rescue groups.


“This is not a new problem and little to no meaningful action has been proposed by MGCC to address this issue to date,” she said.


“A community is judged by its treatment of the most vulnerable, and this applies to not only people but also its voiceless animals.


“The current physical, emotional and financial toll placed on individuals to deal with a community issue, without council support, is unacceptable.


“We encourage all member of the community to attend this meeting in order to present a balanced viewpoint to council of community expectations.”