Hunters aim for cats in the bag

Most of America's hunting enthusiasts can only dream of the day when they bag a big cat and mount its head on their living-room walls. But soon they may get the chance to track tabbies - and in Wisconsin rather than Africa.

The mid-western state is in the throes of an impassioned debate about a proposal to authorise hunters, farmers and anyone else who owns a gun to take to the countryside and fire away at cats.

The controversy erupted after meetings across the state of a citizens' advisory group called the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, which endorsed a proposal tabled by La Crosse County fireman Mark Smith to legalise shooting feral cats.

Wisconsin has a genuine problem. Some estimates indicate that as many as 2 million feral cats roam its lands and their favourite dish is songbirds. Wildlife officials contend that the cats are merciless hunters and kill between 47 million and 139 million birds a year.

Smith proposes that Wisconsinites should be able to shoot feral cats just as they can gophers and skunks. The animals at risk would be cats not wearing collars and not under the direct control of an owner.

Congress is expected formally to approve the plan next month.

Normally, a bill then needs the Governor's signature. But Governor Jim Doyle says the idea is one for the birds and that he will refuse to sign. "I don't think Wisconsin should become known as a state where we shoot cats," he says. "Everybody is laughing at us."

Legions of cat-lovers in Wisconsin went to the Conservation Congress meetings, some wearing whiskers and carrying stuffed toy cats. They fear that hunters will not always differentiate between pets and feral cats.

Smith insists that he is not prejudiced against cats, but implies that any cat not permanently snuggled on his owner's lap - with collar always attached - will be considered fair prey. "If you open the door and kick your cat out at night you've changed its status," he says.

Opponents will take heart from the position of America's biggest bird advocacy group, the Audubon Society. It acknowledges that the cats are culling songbirds, yet voted against the plan. The society says much more information and discussion is needed. One idea is to trap and neuter feral cats then release them.

Pet shop owner Ted O'Donnell is rapidly gathering signatures from those appalled by the cat-hunt plan and says the fight has only begun.

"The campaign is undeterred and we will be working tirelessly. We will fight it every step of the way."

- INDEPENDENT