By TOM HAYES
FERAL cats in Moe have raised community concerns after domesticating themselves at a vacant property on Evelyn Street.
The Express was told by a Moe resident that they had witnessed 12 to 13 feral cats occupying the currently vacant house. The resident contacted Latrobe City Council and the RSPCA.
“Latrobe City Council is working with neighbours of a vacant property in Moe to support the safe retrieval of a number of unowned cats, which were being fed by the previous owner,” a Latrobe City Council spokesperson said.
Multiple neighbours, either next door or across the road, have agreed to set up traps.
Neighbours have heard the cats within the roof of the vacant house and are reportedly continually breeding. None of the cats are known to be desexed or wormed/immunised.
The RSPCA told the Express they have been alerted to the issue and are investigating.
“We can confirm RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate has received a cruelty report regarding this matter, however as it’s under investigation, we’re unable to provide any further details,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.
The Moe resident who alerted the Express wants this incident to class as a warning to all pet owners, especially those of cats, to desex your animals if they are to roam freely, as well as worming them and immunising them.
Council’s Cat Curfew applies from 9pm to 6am seven days a week, meaning all cats must be secure on their owner’s property, or indoors during these hours.
So far, four cats have been trapped and handed to council.
