Cats at UNSW - 20th February 2008
Download as PDF
UNSW has a large cat colony. Most of the cats have been dumped on campus over several years. In response to an increasing number of occupational health and safety concerns from staff and students, the University undertook a number of studies on managing the cat population. A cat management program was implemented and failed as the number of animals increased, as did the associated complaints and issues.
Recent building works on campus have seen the cats move to other areas of the campus, creating difficulties for building occupants. As a result of the cat movements, a flea infestation caused major disruption in a number of buildings on campus recently.
Many staff, students and visitors were significantly affected by flea bites and three people required medical treatment. A much larger number of occupants were also affected when laboratories and facilities were closed down.
In order to control the cat population, UNSW has begun a humane trapping program endorsed by Randwick City Council to remove the cats from campus.
UNSW does not condone the feeding of cats on its campus either by employees or non-employees. Any person who comes onto campus to feed the cats will be asked to leave.
