Wildlife Protection Areas

All bushland reserves in Lane Cove have been designated as Wildlife Protection Areas under the NSW Companion Animals Act, 1988.

Under this declaration:

• Cats are prohibited from entering into a Wildlife Protection Area at all times.
• Dogs are still permitted to enter, but must be on a leash and remain on established tracks at all times.

This declaration aims to increase community awareness about our local wildlife and encourage responsible pet ownership.

 

Our bushland areas support a great diversity of wildlife, such as sugar gliders, fairy wrens, echidnas, frogs, skinks and even endangered species such as the Powerful Owl.

Small birds, skinks and frogs are in decline in many areas of our city and are particularly vulnerable to cat predation. Roaming dogs can also negatively impact our wildlife.

Wildlife Protection Areas will give an added layer of protection for our native wildlife already under threat from urban development and habitat loss by reducing the number of native animals killed or harmed by domestic pets.

This action contributes to regional wildlife conservation, as we join alongside our neighbouring councils with existing Wildlife Protection Areas (Hunters Hill, Ryde, North Sydney and Willoughby).

This declaration also supports the safety of pet cats, as roaming felines encounter daily dangers, including the risk of getting hit by a car, fighting with other cats, getting lost or contracting diseases. RSPCA NSW states that a cat kept safe at home will live on average 10 years longer than a cat who is allowed to roam. Under this declaration, Council has the ability to remove stray cats found in Wildlife Protection Areas.

How you can help

You can help protect our native animals and their habitat by:

• Keeping cats indoors especially at night and contained on your property during the day. This keeps them safe from outside dangers whilst protecting wildlife.
• Keeping your dog on a leash and remaining on established tracks.
• Cleaning up after your dog - scoop the poop!
• Protecting the natural environment by not removing native vegetation, flowers, animals, bush rock and any other natural features from the bush.
• Not dumping of garden waste and other rubbish in the bush.

Find out how to create a secure and enriching indoor environment for your cat at RSPCA NSW.

Check out the winners of our Purr-fectly Safe Cats Photo Competition, celebrating cats with safe-at-home lifestyles.