Tasmania cat laws: Residents will be able to trap strays and farmers can destroy feral cats under new legislation

UPDATED: Residents will be able to trap a neighbour’s cat which strays on to their property under laws which update the state’s cat management legislation. But do the laws go far enough? VOTE IN OUR POLL

RESIDENTS will be able to trap cats which roam onto their property under new laws tabled in state parliament.

The Cat Management Amendment Bill 2019 outlines key changes to control problems caused by domestic, stray and feral cats.

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The legislative amendments will allow a person to trap or seize a cat on their property, regardless of the proximity to other residences, provided the cat is returned to the owner if possible or taken to a cat management facility within 24 hours of capture.

New laws aims to better control Tasmania’s domestic, stray and feral cats. Picture: AAP

Primary producers and landowners who are more than 1km from the nearest residence will also be permitted to humanely destroy a cat found on their property.

Primary Industries Minister Guy Barnett said the Bill strengthened existing provisions encouraging responsible ownership and improved cat welfare, while reducing their impact on the community, agriculture and wildlife.

“The plan recognises that cats are an important and valued part of people’s lives, providing companionship to owners and families,” Mr Barnett said.

“Sensibly, we need to get the balance right, and recognise that cats, if not cared for in a responsible manner, can have serious impacts.”

While councils will be able to continue making by-laws relating to cat management in their municipalities, the Bill stops short of forcing cat owners to contain their pets to their property.

Tasmanian Conservation Trust director Peter McGlone yesterday labelled the move a “kick in the guts” and called for cats to be treated the same as dogs.

“Owned cats and feral cats that are allowed to roam uncontrolled do the same things — they kill native wildlife, spread diseases to livestock and cause a nuisance,” he said.

“By-laws are an incredibly time-consuming, expensive and inconsistent way to deal with a problem like this.

“It is an offence for a pet dog to roam off the owner’s property or be in a public place and not under effective control. Cats should be treated the same.”

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Ten Lives cat shelter manager Noel Hunt said he supported the State Government’s plan but hoped the matter of containment would be addressed in the future.

“We believe passionately in responsible cat ownership, which includes containing cats on properties to protect the Tasmanian environment and native wildlife,” Mr Hunt said.

There will be a 12-month transition period for some of the amendments to allow cat owners time to adjust to the changes.

For more information visit: dpipwe.tas.gov.au/invasive-species/cat-management-in-tasmania

OTHER KEY AMENDMENTS:

■ Desexing and microchipping will become compulsory for all owned cats over the age of four months.

■ A person who wants to keep more than four cats at their property, and who is not a registered breeder, will be required to apply for a permit.

■ Trapping and seizure of cats will be allowed on private land regardless of the proximity to other residences.

■ Primary producers, and those landowners who are more than 1km from the nearest residence, will be permitted to humanely destroy a cat that is found on their property.

■ The Act supports council’s ability to make by-laws with regards to matters that relate to their municipality.