Domestic cat numbers could be restricted under council bylaw

CAT consultation is on the cards in the northeast of Adelaide, with a new cat bylaw a possible outcome. It comes after the local council introduced cat traps in April last year for residents to corner feral invaders on their properties.

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CAT consultation is on the cards at Campbelltown.

It comes after the council introduced cat traps in April last year for residents to corner feral invaders on their properties.

Cr Rob Tidd has now called for community consultation over a possible bylaw, following a consumer satisfaction survey last year that identified cat management as a talking point.

Chief executive officer Paul Di Iulio said at a council meeting this month regulations could place restrictions on cat ownership.

“It could lead to multiple things — limitations on their freedom, limits on how many cats (you can have) on a property,” he said.

“Once we engage with the community we’ll have a very clear understanding (of) whether there is a problem.

“It might lead to limits on cats. It might lead to curfews.”

He was not trying to enforce his opinions on the community or be seen as against cats in general.

“It’s a no-brainer — all we’re asking for is opinions,” he said.

“Let’s go out and ask the people of Campbelltown, and let’s be directed by the people of Campbelltown.

“That’s what you do in a democracy.”

Cr Anna Leombruno said the survey was a worthy idea.

“You can’t assume the people who respond will be cat haters,” she said.

“A lot of people do have issues with cats.

“I have cat prints all over my car … they’re done their business on the lawn. It happens to a lot of people.”

However, Cr Marijka Ryan said Cr Tidd was “hellbent on eliminating cats” and it was a “very poor solution” to a problem which did not exist.

“The last time I looked there was no feral cat problem in my area,” she said.

“There has never been a feral cat problem in my area.

“If you’re going to do this because they’re worried about their neighbour’s cat coming into their yard, that’s a pretty pathetic excuse to bring in a bylaw. He (Cr Tidd) has a bee in his bonnet about cats.”

Local resident Sue Willis said a bylaw should not be introduced without sufficient council data on roaming cats.

“I am concerned that (Cr Tidd’s) … idea may not be truly representative of the rate paying population and community attitudes,” she said.

“I cannot see the need or justication for council intervention to have all pets confined, which will have significant financial implications.”