Redland City Council is cracking down on stray cats, after receiving 240 complaints in relation to straying felines in the last financial year.
Deputy Mayor Julie Talty urged responsible cat owners to keep their animals safe on their property, saying that while the Council recognised that pets enrich our quality of life, straying cats cause impacts for neighbours and wildlife.
“Straying cats often have instinctive hunting habits, creating a significant environmental issue given the impacts on local wildlife, particularly birds, reptiles and small mammals,” says the Mayor.
“They can also be hit by cars, injured by other animals or exposed to feline diseases.
“Keeping cats indoors or in a secure outdoor enclosure helps improve their safety and wellbeing as well as protecting local biodiversity.
“407 cats were impounded at Redland Animal Shelter because of them straying onto neighbouring properties and causing a nuisance.”
Mayor Talty said responsible cat ownership also included registration and microchipping.
“Registration and microchipping help to reunite pets with their owners should they become lost or be impounded,” she said.
“They also help Council plan and deliver animal management services.”
All cats over the age of three months must be microchipped and registered with Council, with Council offering a discounted registration fee for desexed cats. Redland City residents are required to keep no more than two cats on any property, but a third cat may be considered following an application for a permit.
More information on responsible pet ownership is available on Council’s website.
