Cat Management online community Information session

Council's Animal Management team hosted an online information session on Thursday 28 April 2022 to discuss the proposed cat confinement and mandatory desexing of newly registered cats and answered questions submitted by community members. You can see the video by clicking this link

Late last year Council adopted a new Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-25 that outlines how Council will manage cats and dogs in the local community. The plan, was informed by more than 3,000 pieces of feedback and balances community and environmental needs. The plan aims to improve responsible pet ownership through a number of exciting initiatives. These include an annual pet expo, a program within local schools, information pop-ups in the community, partnering with registered dog trainers to present demonstrations and conduct online webinars as well as joining forces with local vets to share information.

During the consultation period we received a great deal of feedback asking for more investigation around cats.

Domestic Animals Act 1994

The Domestic Animals Act 1994 requires that all dogs be confined to their owner’s property unless under effective control (i.e. on a leash) or in a designated off-leash area.

However, the Act does not require the same confinement of cats, which leads to nuisance complaints, maimed wildlife, injuries from cat fights and traffic incidents, spread of feline diseases and overpopulation.

Instead, it is up to individual councils to decide whether to introduce a Domestic Animals Order requiring cats to be confined to their owner’s property. Councils can also introduce an Order requiring dogs or cats to be desexed prior to accepting registration.

Key Information

Cats that are not confined and/or desexed may lead to injuries by other cats and vehicles, unwanted kittens, nuisance complains and maimed wildlife.

Why is council considering changes to cat welfare?
Council has endorsed a plan for cat confinement and/or mandatory cat desexing. This issue came from feedback provided at our 2021 Domestic Animal Management Plan consultation to enhance the welfare and safety of cats, and in response to reports about nuisance cats, environmental impacts of cats in parks and reserves and attacks on wildlife.