Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst will headline a protest on Thursday calling on the Port of Newcastle not to go ahead with any future culls of the remaining Stockton Breakwall cats.
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The protest, to be held at midday at the port's offices at 251 Wharf Road, Newcastle, has been organised by the Stray Cats Project. It follows a botched attempt to kill the cats last month, which left some of the strays blind and seriously injured.
The cull was ordered by the port, which said the outcome was unacceptable and did not meet its expectations, but did not rule out further culling.
A spokesperson said the port's priority was "to ensure the site is safe for our community, while also protecting native flora and fauna and aligning with government advice on this issue".
"We can't allow this horrendous bloodbath to happen again," Ms Hurst said.
"We are protesting to demand that the Port of Newcastle makes a public commitment for no further carnage."
In a statement to The Herald regarding the protest, the port said: "everyone has a right to express their views. We encourage those participating to do so in a way that does not compromise their safety or the safety of others".
"We are seeking to meet with Stockton community leaders and representatives of other relevant stakeholder groups to discuss how we can all contribute towards a safer Stockton Breakwall, including a path forward to remove all remaining cats from the site."
All animal control activity has been postponed while an investigation into the matter is underway, but Ms Hurst said last year's cruelty cannot be repeated.
"It's unthinkable that the Port of Newcastle would ever consider going ahead with further killing," Ms Hurst said. "The authorities should be very seriously considering a prosecution for animal cruelty. Many of these cats were reportedly left injured and alive suffering for an extended period of time.
"We stand united today against the atrocity and cruelty that occurred last year, and in demanding this does not happen again."
Ms Hurst pointed out many of the cats had been desexed and microchipped as part of a trap-neuter-return and care (TNR) program.
She also called for government support of these sorts of community animal programs.
"Overseas, these programs have proven to be humane and effective ways to reduce the number of homeless cats," she said.
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