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Cat Management Bill 2009
FACT SHEET
There is currently no State-wide, integrated approach to cat management in Tasmania. The
Government has committed to developing legislation to manage domestic cats, while also
allowing for the humane removal of stray and feral cats.
The Cat Management Bill 2009 has been developed in consultation with animal welfare
associations and shelters, vets, environmental organisations, and local government. It
essentially implements the Position Paper of August 2008, which generated 171 submissions
and showed strong support for the proposals outlined. Where appropriate, it also uses
provisions similar to those already familiar in the Dog Control Act.
The Purpose of the Bill is to:
· promote the welfare and responsible ownership of cats, including the desexing and
microchipping of domestic cats;
· provide for the effective management of cats, allowing for the humane handling and
management of unidentified, stray and feral cats; and
· reduce the negative effects of cats on the environment.
As a first step to reduce the number of cats that become unwanted and are euthanased each
year, the Bill includes approaches to reduce the unplanned breeding of cats. A register of cat
breeders will be established and the Bill allows only registered breeders to breed cats.
The Bill also aims to encourage the responsible ownership of cats, including microchipping
and desexing of domestic cats. To assist new cat owners, the Bill requires that cats must be
at least 8 weeks of age, microchipped and desexed prior to sale. However, where there are
genuine reasons as to why this can not occur, a care agreement may be entered into
allowing this to happen at a later date.
These measures may also reduce the flow of unwanted cats that add to the feral cat
population. Stray and feral cats pose significant threats to Tasmania's native animals, as is
well known, and also to farm stock through the spread of toxoplasmosis.
The Bill therefore clarifies the powers necessary to continue controlling stray and feral cats in
"prohibited areas", which include land reserved mainly for the protection of natural values.
The rights of farmers with livestock and managers of rural properties in remote areas are
also set out.
The Bill significantly clarifies the rights and powers of cat management facilities. Among
other things, it specifies minimum holding times for cats, allowing cat owners time to look for
lost pets, while also providing a framework for shelters dealing with unidentified, stray and
feral cats.
Local Councils have no additional obligations under the Bill, but voluntary action is facilitated.
They will now be able to make by-laws in relation to cat management. They may also declare
council-controlled land as prohibited areas, or declare "cat management areas" to support
local initiatives.
The Bill is much simpler than similar legislation in other States, although it will require some
detail in Regulations. The whole package is expected to commence in mid-2010.
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