Ten Lives, the Sandford Cat Management Group, Landcare Tasmania and the City of Clarence are inviting the Sandford community to take part in a project aimed at creating a safer environment for both cats and wildlife.
The Sandford Cat Management Group was formed by local community members concerned about the growing presence of stray and feral cats in the area and have partnered with Ten Lives, Landcare Tasmania and the City of Clarence to better understand and manage the impact of cats across Sandford and the wider South Arm Peninsula.
“When the Sandford Cat Management Group contacted us we saw a community genuinely committed to doing the right thing. This partnership allows us to combine local knowledge with our experience to achieve the best outcomes for cats, wildlife and residents.” Ten Lives CEO Noel Hunt said.
“A big part of our role is helping people keep their pet cats safe at home. It’s better for cats, better for wildlife and better for the community.”
When the Sandford Cat Management Group was successful in receiving an environment grant from the City of Clarence and with the support of Landcare Tasmania, the group reached out to Ten Lives to provide specialist support as Tasmania’s Southern cat management facility, ensuring expert guidance for any future interventions involving cats.
“Our group was formed by locals who were genuinely worried about the growing number of stray and feral cats in Sandford. This project is an important step in understanding what’s happening on the ground and working together on practical solutions.” Sandford Cat Management Group Priesident Anna Beinssen said.
“We reached out to Ten Lives because we knew we needed expert support. By combining community knowledge with professional cat management experience, we can make informed decisions that benefit both cats and our local environment.”
Partnering with Ten Lives, Landcare Tasmania and the City of Clarence, the group hopes to better understand and manage the impact of cats across Sandford and the wider South Arm Peninsula.
“To see the launch of a cat management group is really exciting, and I hope other Landcare groups get involved in this sort of work as well. These specialty groups make a difference for the wildlife of Tasmania.” Landcare Tasmania Chair Bill Harvey said.
“Landcare is thrilled to be able to support the Sandford Cat Management Group. It’s really important work and it’s the start, I hope, of a trend in community groups getting involved in cat management.” he said, “We need the data to be able to identify the hot spots, so the community generated data is really important, and that citizen science helps identify those areas.”
“This project shows the value of collaboration. By bringing together community members, animal welfare experts and environmental groups, we can develop practical, humane and effective solutions.” City of Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomley said.
“We’re proud to support a community driven project like this. The Sandford Cat Management Group has shown real initiative, and this partnership will help ensure the work is guided by sound local information.”
If you have a connection to the Sandford area (live in, own a business in, work in, or visit), please fill in the survey here: Cats in Sandford Survey.