I absolutely agree and empathise with K. Millin on this subject, though I myself would never have a cat.
I moved back into my house 6 months ago and the ‘stray' cat problem had increased alarmingly.
The main and immediate perpetrator is next door, with 6 cats and counting. These unchecked (and I suspect un-fixed) animals, spend most of the time off their own property. They mess and spray on every part of my section (including in my garage if I leave it open accidently). By everywhere I mean my earth and bark gardens, lawn and worst of all the gravel around my clothesline and car parks. It is disgusting and infuriating, especially in the dark and tramping into the house. This person also has a barking dog, which is a whole other saga (but is symptomatic of a certain type of pet owner). I have spoken to the Animal Services representative at the council, who of course said ‘our hands are tied, lobby the mayor'. I was and have been given all sorts of weird and (not so) wonderful advice and suggestions on how to solve the problem, to deter or minimise the behaviour, all of which involves MY money and MY time to protect MY property. Aside from my own personal situation, I am horrified to think that these predators most probably roam into the gulley behind, destroying our native bird populations, and yes with no owner onus or accountability.
Why are so many cat-owners so arrogant, ignorant and irresponsible, and assume they should have all rights and no obligations? Owning a pet, especially in urban areas where it's behaviour affects neighbours within the vicinity, should be a privilege and respected as such.
E. Shore, Tauranga.