Campbelltown Council renews push for cat by-laws

A council that controversially tried to contain felines to leashes is again pushing for change, including issuing fines if cats poo on neighbouring properties.

A council that rents cat traps out to residents will forge on with controversial cat control measures despite opposition from animal welfare groups and a rejection by state parliament.

The Campbelltown Council on Tuesday adopted a report on a draft of a revised version of its Cats By-Law that would make it illegal for cats to be outside while not on a leash shorter than two-metres from the start of 2024.

It would also mean, until 2024, cats would need to either be inside or on a leash outside on a 7am until 9pm curfew.

The control measures would also limit the amount of cats a person can own to two, require cats to wear an identifying collar, not make unreasonable noise or smell, and not defecate or urinate at neighbouring properties.

Breaches of the By-Law would carry with them a maximum fine of $1250 or an expiation fee of $312.50.

A cat is walked on a leash by its owner. Picture: Nicole Cleary

Councillor Therese Britton-La Salle, who famously brought a cat cage to a council meeting in 2019 in an act of defiant opposition to the proposed changes, said the laws had the potential to “alienate” members of the community.

“They’re suggesting to walk your cat on a lead not exceeding two metres, it’s ludicrous,” she said.

“And ‘containment’ can be in a shed, in a vehicle, in a cage, that’s just so barbaric.

“I’ve been inundated with residents who are just devastated.

“Basically we’re ambushing the residents and saying, ‘this is the law, this is what will apply’.”

Councillor Therese Britton-La Salle with a cat trap she displayed at a Campbelltown Council meeting in 2019. Picture: Colin James

Ms Britton-La Salle said the changes could impact on resident safety if they had to find their cats in darkness when the curfew kicked in, and had the potential to have a negative environmental impact as kitty litter waste increased.

A similar By-Law mooted by the council in 2019 drew wide condemnation from the RSPCA and Animal Welfare League and was ultimately withdrawn after not passing the state’s Legislative Review Committee.

Now, given the council this week received a report surveying residents about the draft By-Laws and proceed with it, they are pressing on.

One section of the report showed a phone survey of 403 residents indicated 70 per cent of ratepayers supported the control measures overall, while 55 per cent supported containing cats at all times unless under control.

Though only 75 of the 403 residents said they owned cats.

A further 173 residents responded to council consultation directly with varying support (46 per cent) and opposition (40 per cent) for the measures.

The proposal was also met with a 135-signature-strong petition of which 75 per cent were opposed.

Governance and Community Interaction manager Lyn Barton recommended to the council they support the By-Law given the results of the telephone survey.

“Staff recommend that council proceed … due to the high level of support provided through the statistically validated telephone survey,” she wrote.

Councillors voted eight to two in support of the recommendation.

The council was contacted for comment.