The Town of Mosman Park is moving forward with plans to crack down on roaming cats as part of a new draft policy aimed at imposing stricter requirements for cat owners to help protect Perth’s native wildlife.
Draft Policy Proposes New Measures
Councillors will decide this month whether to advertise the proposed new cat local law for public feedback. The draft law introduces several requirements for cat owners within Mosman Park, including measures to address cat nuisance, regulate the number of cats allowed at a property through a permit system, and introduce rules for the operation of catteries and cat management facilities.
Cat-Prohibited Areas
The policy also proposes designating new cat-prohibited areas, including major bushland reserves, foreshore and river areas, as well as public open spaces such as beaches and parks. To enforce these rules, the town is proposing higher penalties and fines ranging from $100 to $300.
Community Calls for Stricter Rules
The move comes amid growing calls from the community for stricter restrictions on roaming cats in a bid to help protect native wildlife. While some WA councils already ban cats from selected public spaces, local governments currently have limited powers under the Cat Act to enforce broader roaming bans or cat containment rules.
State Government Amendments
The State Government earlier this year introduced proposed amendments to the Cat Act that would give councils clearer powers to introduce their own cat containment local laws, including cat-prohibited zones and curfews. Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley said the move would support responsible cat ownership while helping to protect native wildlife.
“If passed, the Bill will empower individual councils to engage with their communities on how they approach cat containment and then make local laws which reflect the needs of their community,” she said.
Current Regulations
The Town of Mosman Park currently has no local regulatory framework for cats. The only restrictions are those imposed by the existing WA Cat Act, which mandates all pet cats in WA be micro-chipped, sterilised and registered with their local government.
Next Steps
The council will make a decision at its ordinary council meeting on May 26. If endorsed, the draft law will go out for a six-week public consultation period in June, allowing residents and stakeholders to provide their input on the proposed changes.
