Cat clampdown: concern for wildlife compels Shire of Pingelly to consider new local cat laws

The Shire of Pingelly is seeking community comment on a newly proposed Cat Local Law that has been drafted in an effort to protect the region’s native animals from predation. “Both feral and domestic cats hunt and kill hundreds of native animals on average per year leading to the extinction of many native animals and the endangerment of many more including our beloved numbats,” Shire of Pingelly CEO Andrew Dover said. “The Shire of Pingelly proposes to make a Cat Local Law to protect these endangered animals by prohibiting cats from bush areas greater than 5000sqm which form the habitat for these native animals.” The law would also limit the number of cats per property to two and require that cats not create a nuisance. Approval would be able to be sought from the Shire for two additional cats in certain circumstances. The WA Cat Act requires local governments to ensure that domestic cats must are sterilised, identifiable and registered. Local governments are able to enact laws governing cat ownership and control within shire boundaries provided they align with the Cat Act and Mr Dover said that the community was welcome to provide feedback on the draft. “The Shire is providing the community with an opportunity to have input into the proposed local law before the draft is finalised,” he said. “This is over and above the statutory consultation requirements involved in making a local law.” A draft of the proposal can be found on the Shire of Pingelly website.