Local Laws in Focus – Control of Cats Local Law

The City of Stirling has made a number of Local Laws which regulate and manage activities throughout the City. These Local Laws are enforceable through the courts.

https://www.stirling.wa.gov.au/your-city/about-council/governance-and-transparency/policies-and-local-laws

The City of Stirling has Local Laws that control the number of cats kept on premises in order to protect native fauna and outline requirements for cat permits.

Within the City, there are areas where cats are totally prohibited and also fauna protected buffer zones.

• A Cat Prohibited Area is a bushland or wetland area where cats are totally prohibited.
• A Fauna Protected Buffer Zone extends 200 metres from the boundary of a Cat Prohibited Area.

To protect native species within the City, cats found in prohibited areas may be trapped, impounded and potentially euthanised, with owners liable for penalties. Owners of any impounded cat that is registered, microchipped and wearing a registration tag will be notified to allow them to reclaim their cat. Be advised that release fees and fines may apply to reclaim an impounded cat.

To find out if you live within one of these zones, call the City on (08) 9205 8555 or visit our website here.

Free-roaming companion cats can have a negative effect on wildlife, particularly in areas of environmental and biodiverse significance. In fact, studies show that cats kill over 390 million mammals, birds and reptiles in Australia annually. Pet cats who wander also face a number of environmental hazards, including increased risks of disease and parasites, injury, or death due to traffic, predation or ingestion of toxins, and becoming lost. As the City’s population grows it equates to more pet cats living in and around these biodiverse-rich areas within the City of Stirling, increasing encounter rates and negative impacts on wildlife.

The City has designated 11 areas within its municipal boundary as 'Cat Prohibited Areas'.

These parcels of land are rich with native wildlife and especially vulnerable to predation by cats. Residential areas within a 200m radius of these areas are also designated as 'Fauna Protection Buffer Zone', which reduce the number of cats that are permitted within one property (without a permit).

The City’s cat prohibited areas and fauna protection buffer zones help manage the impacts however their success is dependent on cat owner accountability and penalties for non-compliance.

What are the legal requirements for cat owners?

The Cat Act 2011 was introduced by the State Government with the aim of encouraging responsible pet ownership and reducing the number of unwanted cats across Western Australia.

Owners of cats (over the age of six months) must ensure their feline pets are:

1. Microchipped and wearing a registration tag – for identification purposes if the animal becomes lost or injured
2. Sterilised – unless being used for breeding purposes by a City of Stirling approved breeder (discounts apply to City of Stirling residents*)
3. Registered – with their local council.

City of Stirling officers will enforce this legislation and infringements may be issued to cat owners who do not comply with the requirements.

A cat permit is required if you have:

• Two or more cats inside a protected buffer zone;
• You are keeping three or more cats outside protected buffer zone;
• or you are breeding cats.

A cattery permit is required for households intending to keep four or more cats.

• Each cat on the premises is registered, microchipped and sterilised (unless approved by the City for breeding purposes)
• Each cat may be required to be contained on the premises, unless under the control of a person
• The premises shall be maintained in good order and in a clean and sanitary condition
• Adequate space shall be provided on the premises to exercise cats
• The permit holder shall not substitute or replace any cat once that cat dies or is permanently removed from the premises, without first obtaining the consent of the City
• The permit is not transferable to other permit holders or properties.

• Register your cat with your local council, making sure the cat is microchipped and sterilised
• Ensure your cat is easily identifiable by wearing a current registration tag
• Vaccinate and establish an annual worming treatment for your cat
• Consider keeping your cat confined to your property, particularly at night
• Give your cat a cosy sleeping area with food, water and a litter tray
• Ensure your details and your cat’s details are kept up-to-date with your local council and the Microchip Registry.