Cats must be registered under new Act
Veterinary clinics and local governments are urging cat owners to sterilise and microchip their animals before the new Cat Act comes into force on November 1.
The introductions of the Cat Act 2011, will require cat owners to register their pets with their local council, but before a cat can be registered it must be sterilised and microchipped.
Shire of Dardanup senior ranger Murray Halden said the Act would help reduce the amount of stray cats and unwanted kittens.
“People that own a cat that is sixmonths of age will need to have it sterilised, microchipped and registered,” he said.
“If cat owners don’t comply, they could face a fine of $200, for each requirement that has not been fulfilled.”
Eaton Animal Health centre vet nurse Melissa Thompson said the new Act would prevent cats from being euthanised.
“Many cats are euthanised because their owners cannot be located,” she said.
“There is nothing worse than having your cat go missing and not knowing where it is or if it is injured.
“Please do the right thing for your pet and get it microchipped, sterilised and registered.”
To help with the expenses involved in complying with the new regulations the Dardanup Shire Council, in conjunction with the Eaton Animal Health Centre and the Dardanup Veterinary Clinic, is offering a limited number of sterilisation vouchers.
The council is also hosting a pet micro-chipping day on October 20, where people can have their pets micro-chipped for $30.
The event will run from 10am to 3pm at Glen Huon Sportsground, Recreation Drive, Eaton.
Cat owner Kathy Lee has just had her cat micro-chipped in preparation and said the vouchers made a huge difference.
