Questions raised over Cat Act
AN influx of abandoned cats at a Bunbury animal shelter has management raising questions about the enforcement of the Cat Act 2011 regulations.
Save Animals From Euthanasia Bunbury president Mark Townsend said it had more than 170 cats in its care program - with 40 rescued and only 30 adopted since January 1.
He said the intake of cats and kittens was up 50 per cent on the same period last year - highlighting the laws were not working.
According to the Act: "the owner of a cat that has reached six months of age must ensure that the cat is sterilised by a veterinarian, microchipped and registered", and each offence could carry a maximum $5000 penalty.
Mr Townsend blamed the big jump in abandoned cats on irresponsible pet owners and a lack local government enforcement.
"If owners aren't being forced to abide by the legislation then they won't feel pressured to take on the costs," he said.
"Money raised from the registration should go towards a de-sexing program.
"It's a very sad and vicious cycle, no de-sexing leads to a circulation of litters, which makes us busy."
Dardanup Shire Council development services director Robert Quinn said its rangers were enforcing the rules but at this stage were only acting when they impounded a cat.
"To assist local governments the Cat Act 2011 and Cat Regulations 2012 should be strengthened to provide a more consistent approach in the area of confinement," he said.
"Currently there are no enforcement measures to ensure owners keep their cat on their property."
In 2014, Mr Quinn said rangers issued two warnings and one infringement, impounded 72 cats, returned 20 to owners, euthanised 19 and gave 32 to the City of Bunbury for re-homing.
According to Shire of Capel chief executive officer Paul Sheedy, one fine, 20 warnings and 13 complaints were made in the past year.
He said 12 cats were impounded but a lack of registration made issuing infringements difficult.
Mr Sheedy said where the rules had not been met, rangers gave owners seven days to comply and offered pension card holders a $50 sterilisation subsidy.
