tisme Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 Wed 02 November, 2011 Responsible cat ownership laws passed Portfolio: Local Government Provide control and management of cats in WA Promote and encourage responsible ownership Cats to be sterilised, microchipped and registered Local Government Minister John Castrilli welcomed the passing of legislation which will help reduce the thousands of unwanted cats euthanised each year in Western Australia. “This legislation effectively defines ‘responsible ownership’ of cats,” Mr Castrilli said. The legislation means all cats: must be sterilised unless being used for breeding microchipped so they can be returned if lost, stolen or stray from properties registered so local government can readily deal with cats without owners “The new Cat Act then gives local governments the power to deal with owners that are not responsible, including cat hoarders, and with cats that are not owned,” the Minister said. “In essence, the 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.” Mr Castrilli said the State now had a consistent and comprehensive approach to cat control. “Ninety-three per cent of WA cat owners sterilise their cats and for these people the legislation will make little difference as they are already doing the right thing,” he said. To ensure this Bill does not cause hardship, cat owners and local governments have two years - until November 1, 2013 - to prepare themselves and their cats. This is the first time there has been legislation in WA to deal with domestic cats. Dogs have been regulated since 1976. Fact File There will be a phase-in period from November 1, 2012 Registration, microchipping and sterilisation will only be required by November 1, 2013 Minister's office - 9213 6800 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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