Letters, February 1, 2023

Funding cut
I WAS extremely disgusted when I read in The Courier (January 18) of a decision revealed during an inquiry by the Economic & Finance Committee that the State Government is cutting $1m in funding for prescribed burning from the Emergency Services Levy (ESL)

I understand the Tourism industry is very important to SA with the millions of dollars various events bring to SA and the Government’s financial assistance to further boost tourism, however, the decision to cut $1m from the ESL for the funding of prescribed burning is just a joke

The people who live in the Hills and other fire prone areas during the summer months should have confidence in knowing that the State Government has previously funded prescribed burns which will assist the CFS and other Emergency departments

The SA Government should immediately consider reversing this ridiculous decision and continue to provide assistance and support the CFS and Emergency departments who do the most amazing work in continuing to keep our communities safe

Sue Antonow, Crafers West

Safety fears
AS a cyclist I am terrified to learn about a new “safety” feature all new cars come with: Lane Assist

If you swerve instinctively to avoid a cyclist, dog or child the car will automatically put you instantly back onto your original course and you will surely impact the thing or, dog, person or car you were swerving instinctively to avoid. What idiot thought that was a good feature?

Can anyone enlighten me as to why this is not a serious hazard for our cyclists, dogs and children, other vehicles or dangerous obstructions that may suddenly be in front of our cars?
How did the Australian Government decide this was a good plan?

Caroline Johnson, Aldgate

Date offence
I UNDERSTAND that my birthday may cause offence to some Australians, but as for most people, I did not have much choice of when I was born (not consciously anyway)

A birthday is a significant event and should be celebrated, but I was unaware at the time of my birth of the significance of the date within Australia

For those playing at home, I am talking about January 26 and not Hitler’s birthday, to be clear.
I think I am now old enough to miss some birthday celebrations. Sorry birthday, it was good while it lasted

Rodney Hawksworth, Callington

Cat run problems
IN response to Ian Westley of Mylor (The Courier, January 25), he may be surprised to learn that I actually like his sarcastic humor, however, I never get a chance to use my own humor in the constant draining fight for animals, so I will simply stick with the facts

While I can see that owners with cat runs have every good intention, cat runs have ethical problems. They do not facilitate the rights of the cat

In an animal equality community (that means that it is accepted that the life and rights of one animal are equal to the life and rights of any other animal, wildlife or introduced) a cat must be allowed to have their five freedoms, including the right to natural behavior. You cannot take one species, separate it from the thousands of other species and say that this particular one needs to be kept in a cage

If you do feel the need to think like that, please think again

All animals need to be allowed their natural behavior

The C.A.T.S. desexing program does not operate in the way you suggest

Please get the facts first, and if you genuinely want to applaud the efforts of those of us that work tirelessly with animals, recognise what the community outreach had done to support unowned cats and their post sterilisation managed and monitored release

Lisa Daintree, Strathalbyn

Cat confusion
REFUSING to understand the scientifically proven phenomenon of nature known as the “Vacuum Effect” by letter writers like Ian Westley, will simply add to the undermining of good cat management in SA. (“Cat Management”, The Courier, January 25)

If one lot of cats, in an open system, is removed, either by destruction, re-homing or confinement, it leaves a vacant space which is abhorred by nature and is quickly filled with new cats.

This is a scientifically proved fact and I cannot understand how some readers cannot accept this, when it is not only logical, but happens almost in front of your eyes.

I do not speak without a life-time of working with cats and over 32 years researching the best methods from around the world in reducing cat numbers and cat-related problems.

We have over 32 years of records showing the success of Desex and Return to Home of cats in keeping with the Vacuum Effect.

Mr Westley has also misunderstood C.A.T.S. Policy. These cats are not “set free in the environment” which implies abandonment to the wild.

These former “unowned” cats now have residents taking responsibility for them and when they are returned, they are fed, managed and cared for.  

There is no doubt that cats are suffering from “obesity, heart problems, arthritis and serious anxiety disorders”, and I would add diabetes.

And why wouldn’t they?

These are the very same health issues that are suffered by humans when they do not have adequate exercise.

A cat cannot adequately exercise in a house. And a cat run which is large enough to accommodate the natural needs of a cat is well out of the range of most of the residents.

Mr Westley may be happy to have snakes in his garden but I doubt that this is the view of most Hills people. When it gets to the stage of having to check beds before sleeping in them, as used to be the case on Kangaroo Island, I am sure they would prefer a cat to a snake to control the rodents.

Christine Pierson, President C.A.T.S. Cats Assistance To Sterilise Inc