The Australian government is planning to airdrop poisonous sausages into the bush across the country to kill wild cats by 2020.
Over two million feral cats across 10 million hectares will be killed by 2020.
Cats are making the soil less fertile and productive by killing 377 million birds and 649 million reptiles per year.
A highly-restricted poison will be added to sausages made of kangaroo meat, chicken fat and a mix of herbs and spices, according to a New York Times report.
‘They’ve got to taste good. They are the cat’s last meal,’ pest controller Shane Morse said to the Times.
Australian government’s move to kill feral cats has sparked outrage among animal rights groups. Direct Action Everywhere (DXE) has criticized the government as he said that it is ‘disturbing and ironic’ since ‘humans are by far the most invasive species’.
DXE Organiser Wayne Hsuing said:
‘No significant effort has been made to reduce the impacts of cats on feral wildlife using nonviolent means. A mass spaying program or stronger sanctions against guardians who abandon their cats in the wild.’
Professor of Conversation Biology at Charles Darwin University John Woinarski wrote:
‘Since Australia was settled we have lost 34 mammal species, including types of bandicoot, wallabies, delightful animals.’
‘Australia is distinctive for its natural environment… these are animals that turn over the soil and add fertility to it.’