Perth's Western Suburbs Could See Cat Roaming Bans Under State Proposal
The State Government has announced plans that could lead to cats being banned from roaming freely across Perth's western suburbs. This move would empower local councils to introduce their own containment laws through the Cat Amendment (Local Laws) Bill, currently under consideration.
Empowering Local Councils for Tailored Solutions
If passed, the legislation will enable councils to implement measures such as restricting cats to their owners' premises, prohibiting them from public areas, or introducing cat curfews. Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley emphasized that this approach supports responsible cat ownership while safeguarding native Australian wildlife from threats posed by free-roaming felines.
"The Bill will empower individual councils to engage with their communities on cat containment and make local laws that reflect community needs," Ms Beazley stated. She highlighted that the Government will not enforce a uniform law but will provide model legislation for councils to adopt voluntarily.
Support from Local Leaders and Wildlife Advocates
Western suburbs councils have welcomed the proposal. Town of Cambridge mayor Gary Mack noted that while reforms require public consultation, the power to control cats would help protect native marsupials and mammals. "It's not to say people can't have cats, it's just to better manage them," he explained.
Cottesloe mayor Melissa Harkins also supported the changes, stating they "make sense" by allowing each local government to create laws suited to their community. She acknowledged past challenges, referencing the City of Bayswater's unsuccessful attempt to implement similar rules, which stalled Cottesloe's earlier efforts.
Incentives and Alternatives for Cat Owners
To facilitate compliance, Ms Beazley encouraged councils to consider initiatives like designated on-leash areas, cat-specific parks, rebates for building cat runs, or workshops for constructing at-home cat patios. For instance, Bayswater has endorsed offering cat owners up to $500 to install 'catios'—enclosed outdoor spaces for cats.
However, Ms Harkins expressed skepticism about such rebates in Cottesloe, citing resource constraints. "In my opinion, I can't see Cottesloe ever doing that," she said, emphasizing the council's limited capacity for financial incentives.
Broader Context and Public Consultation
The proposal aligns with broader trends, as a survey last year showed overwhelming support from local governments across Western Australia for keeping cats at home to mitigate feral threats. The WA Feral Cat Working Group reported that nearly 80% of local governments are interested in permanent containment laws for pet cats.
Currently, councils must apply to a parliamentary committee to restrict cat roaming, a process that has seen rejections, such as Bayswater's case. The new Bill aims to streamline this by granting councils direct authority.
Additionally, the Cook Government is consulting the public on a statutory review of the Cat Act 2011, inviting written submissions on topics like registration, enforcement, sterilization, and breeding limits. This comprehensive approach seeks to address domestic cat management holistically while fostering community engagement in the decision-making process.
