I've been accused by a neighbour of poisoning their cat in the past, which is quite ridiculous, because my own cat died of poisoning when I was 9 years old and I would never cause anyone to go through the despair I did at the time. I take many and varied options to protect my wild birds, but not at the cost of someone's pet. I don't think that inflammatory words are the answer, regardless of whether the pet is meant any harm or not. No single action will solve a national problem.
If we were to get serious about predatory cats and the effect on UK wildlife, all cats should be licenced (income for the Govt and less tax for everyone, one would hope) and subject to no night time prowling. In addition, if this was to be adopted, it would enable people to report nuisance cats (as dogs) and have the authority to target the owner for allowing their pets to make use of other peoples gardens. Bit excessive, I know, but in the long term, if we want an answer, regulation (yuch - hate that term) is the only long term answer.
Won't happen though. No-one in power is that interested. We'll have to rely on a high powered water pistol for some time to come!!!
