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Is it legal to kill feral cats in Australia

20/05/2025

Yes, it is legal to kill feral cats in Australia under specific conditions and using approved methods. Feral cats are recognized as a significant threat to Australia's native wildlife, and various control measures are implemented to manage their populations.

Legal Methods for Controlling Feral Cats

The Australian government permits several methods for controlling feral cat populations, provided they are conducted humanely and in accordance with relevant regulations:

  • Trapping: Cage traps are permitted throughout Australia. Soft-jawed leg-hold traps are allowed in some states and territories. Trapping should follow best practice guidelines to ensure humane treatment .DCCEEW

  • Shooting: Shooting is permitted and should be carried out by skilled operators with the necessary licenses and experience. It is labor-intensive and requires a high level of proficiency to ensure humane outcomes .PestSmart

  • Poison Baiting: Poison baits like Curiosity® and Eradicat® are used for large-scale control. These baits are designed to minimize risks to non-target species and must be laid on the ground, as cats typically do not dig for food .DCCEEW

  • Fencing: Predator-proof fencing is employed to create safe havens for native species by excluding feral cats from specific areas. While effective, this method can be costly and requires ongoing maintenance .

Is It Legal to Kill Feral Cats in Australia? Learn the Facts and Solutions with AUMARK

Feral cats are one of the most destructive invasive species in Australia, responsible for the deaths of billions of native animals each year. As the ecological damage grows, many landowners, councils, and environmental groups ask a critical question: Is it legal to kill feral cats in Australia?

The Short Answer: Yes—With Conditions

In Australia, it is legal to control feral cats under strict guidelines. Control methods must follow national and state animal welfare laws to ensure humane treatment. In New South Wales, this includes:

  • Ground shooting by licensed professionals

  • Trapping using approved humane traps

  • Poison baiting under regulatory supervision

  • Exclusion fencing to protect sensitive habitats

These methods are legal only when carried out by trained individuals or authorised organisations—and that's where AUMARK comes in.

AUMARK's Feral Cat Control Solutions

At AUMARK, we provide professional, compliant, and humane feral cat management services across New South Wales. With years of field experience and a deep understanding of pest behavior, our team is trusted by rural landholders, commercial operators, and local governments.

Why Choose AUMARK?

✅ Licensed & Insured Professionals – We operate under full compliance with NSW regulations and national codes of practice.
✅ Tailored Strategies – Whether it's a large commercial site or remote farmland, we adapt our approach to your unique environment.
✅ Humane & Effective Methods – All our methods are approved under animal welfare guidelines.
✅ Proven Track Record – We're trusted by councils, landowners, and property managers to get results while protecting native species.

Protect Your Property. Protect Wildlife.

If you're dealing with a feral cat problem and need a legal, ethical solution, AUMARK is here to help. Our expertise ensures that all control measures are carried out professionally, safely, and within the bounds of the law.

📞 Contact AUMARK today to learn more about legal feral cat removal services in NSW and get a solution tailored to your property.

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