The WA Government has announced it will progress the Cat Amendment (Local Laws) Bill, which will empower local governments to make and enforce local laws regarding cat containment.
Through the Bill, if passed, councils will be able to implement local laws that include restricting cats to their owners’ premises, prohibiting cats from all public areas, or introducing cat curfews.
In progressing cat containment local laws, local governments will also be able to consider transition arrangements for existing outdoor cat owners and are encouraged to continue to explore other strategies and initiatives to support outdoor cat owners with the implementation of the local laws, said WA Local Government Minister, Hannah Beazley.
The proposed amendments will result in better protection for Western Australian wildlife, with roaming pet cats estimated to kill millions of birds, reptiles, and small mammals each year, she said.
“The Cook Labor Government is taking action to enable local laws which support responsible cat ownership,” said the Minister.
“If passed, the Bill will empower individual councils to engage with their communities on how they approach cat containment and then make local laws which reflect the needs of their community.
“Cat containment will prevent the destruction of native wildlife and improve the lives of people’s beloved pet cats.”
Public consultation is also underway on the statutory review of the Cat Act 2011. Written submissions are invited on domestic cat management topics, including registration, enforcement and compliance, sterilisation, microchipping, breeding,andlimits on the number of cats owned.
For more information on the review, visit: www.lgirs.wa.gov.au/cat-act-review.
