In regards to the story in the Wangaratta Chronicle, Monday, 29 September, "Jim baffled by backyard mystery", relating to birds possibly responsible for thefts of the funnel of a rain gauge.

All last week something was determined to dig deeply and into a ground space 2” x 3” surrounded by bricks etc.

Every morning I filled it in until last Saturday morning when I saw a Blackbird with a bright yellow beak standing alone on paving near this hole.

He looked around as though he owned the backyard!

So I put a garden pot on top of the hole.

So far so good.

Problem solved.

Good luck Jim.

Marion Evans, Wangaratta

More investment sorely need for animal desexing

I went to the Wangaratta council meeting on Tuesday and asked about funding vouchers for desexing domestic cats and dogs and was told there were none issued by council.

I hope council will try and get some for all those cats and dogs yet to be desexed.

Farmers say they are experiencing a significant feral cat problem, but if more farmers desexed their own cats it would help reduce the problem.

Yes, many cats are dumped in the bush by owners who won't or can't afford to desex them.

It is an absolute disgrace the number of cats and kittens, dogs and puppies that are euthanised each year in Victoria and Australia and it's all because of humans.

Council has given millions for the rail trail and township enhancements but could you imagine the number of cats and dogs that could be desexed with that, or even some of that money?

It seems animals are the forgotten ones and they shouldn't be.

It is just so sad.

Maree Parkinson, Wangaratta

Council lack of vision and action on animal welfare

I was at the recent Wangaratta council meeting where the topic of feral cats was discussed in a manner that I found disheartening.

When questioned about the council's definition of feral cats and the number of animals euthanised the council was unable to provide a clear answer.

Additionally, our proposal - for more affordable desexing and microchipping options - was rejected due to lack of government funding.

The decision is particularly concerning given the council collects registration fees for dogs and cats, yet fails to allocate these funds towards supporting local animal welfare initiatives.

The council's decision to transport animals to the Albury pound rather than exploring alternative solutions was, at the time, met with anger from those in attendance at the meeting.

Unfortunately, the Wangaratta council remained unresponsive to our suggestions, instead maintaining an inflexible stance.

Barbara Webster, Wangaratta