Wanaka pest controller Billy Barton believes there are millions of feral cats in the wild, "living just where you don’t think they are". PHOTOS: KERRIE WATERWORTHAt last count he had 18 hunting dogs, including the only cat scent trained dogs south of Twizel. Last year he caught a 6.2kg cat beside the Matukituki river and 5.5kg feral cat the week before, while trapping for the conservation group Forest and Bird. As well as chickens, Mr Barton has alpaca and sheep (for aversion training), and five ferrets to seek out the rabbits. Central Otago Lakes Forest and Bird committee member Andrew Penniket said the organisation was fortunate to have Mr Barton in the district.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 12, 2021 15:22 UTC