Cat laws to limit number of felines euthanised

• Provide for the control and management of cats in WA
• Promote and encourage responsible ownership

Local Government Minister John Castrilli said domestic cat laws would reduce the high proportion of stray cats and provide for responsible cat ownership.

"The State Government's Cat Bill 2011 will also reduce the thousands of unwanted cats euthanised each year in Western Australia," Mr Castrilli said.

"In essence, the new cat legislation will make way for better management of the unwanted impacts of cats on the community and the natural environment, causing nuisance and damage to property.  It also provides for the reunion of cats with their owners."

The Minister said the Act required the identification, registration and sterilisation of domestic cats in WA, and gives local governments the power to administer and enforce the legislation.

"I have listened to concerns of some groups in the community and the register will no longer be a public document," he said.

"Local governments will be able to deal with irresponsible owners, including cat hoarders, and cats that are not owned.

"Local government rangers will be able to enter premises with a warrant issued by a justice when an offence has been committed.  This is necessary to deal with situations where, for example, kittens are bred in terrible conditions or numerous cats are not being cared for."

Mr Castrilli said the State now had a consistent and comprehensive approach to cat control.

"93 per cent of WA cat owners have already sterilised their cats and for these people this legislation will make little difference as they are already doing the right thing," he said.

      Fact File

• There will be a phased in period to allow local governments and the public time to prepare for the legislation's introduction from November 1, 2012
• Registration, microchipping and sterilisation will only be required by November 1, 2013

Minister's office - 9213 6800