Australia’s federal government has launched an all-out campaign against feral cats,and is now calling on citizens across the country to share their thoughts and opinions.

As of today,the public is being invited to take part in consultations over a brand-new strategy designed to put an end to the terrible harm that wild cats are causing to the nation’s native wildlife.

Each year,feral and stray cats across Australia kill as many as two billion native reptiles,birds,and small mammals.That works out to nearly six million innocent creatures losing their lives every single night.

Over the last 200 years,these wild cats have been a major factor in the extinction of two-thirds of Australia’s native mammal species.Right now,they also put more than 200 protected,at-risk species in danger,such as the greater bilby,numbat,and Gilbert’s potoroo.

New research from around the world has found that cats are by far the most damaging invasive species in Australia.Experts from Flinders University have even calculated that these animals cost the country roughly$19 billion in environmental and economic damage every twelve months.

Feral cats don’t just hunt and kill native wildlife directly.They also steal food from natural predators,and can spread deadly diseases that threaten local animal populations.

The government has already poured millions of dollars into programs aimed at reducing feral cat numbers.It is also supporting new projects,including the development of special cat baits that are completely safe for native animals to be around.

Tanya Plibersek,the Minister for the Environment,described feral cats as“silent,hunting,heartless predators.”

“If we fail to act right now,our unique native animals will have no hope of survival,”she stated.

“We are going to war on feral cats.And today,we are laying out our plan to make sure we win this fight.”

The public will have the chance to give feedback on this plan up until December of this year.Anyone interested can read the full details and share their views through the official website.