Canberra’s cat lovers have been advised that new laws which will help their cats live longer and healthier lives have been passed by the Legislative Assembly ,
Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate said the new laws will protect local native wildlife too.
“From 1 July 2022 all cats will be required to be registered, with details to be updated annually,” the Directorate said.
“This will help reunite lost cats with their families more quickly by having up-to-date contact details. It will also help in delivering education campaigns focused on responsible pet ownership.”
It said that cats born before 1 July 2022 can be registered for free until 1 July 2023.
“For cats born after 1 July 2022, owners will pay a small one-off fee which in 2022 is set at $57.55 or $20.70 for pensioners.”
The Directorate said that cats born before 1 July 2022 will not be required to be contained to their premises unless they live in one of Canberra’s 17 declared cat containment locations: Bonner, Crace, Coombs, Denman Prospect, Forde, Gungahlin Town Centre east, Jacka, Lawson, Macnamara, Molonglo, Moncrieff, Strathnairn, The Fair at Watson, Throsby, Taylor, Whitlam and Wright.
“We understand that existing cats and their owners may not be prepared for, or used to, full containment.
“The grandfathering approach for existing pet cats will support a fair and gradual transition which supports the welfare for these animals.”
It said new Canberra suburbs will continue to be declared as cat containment areas as they are developed.
“However, we have updated the rules for declared cat containment areas to allow cats to be walked on a leash in the cat containment suburbs.”
The Government said it knew cats provided love and companionship to many Canberrans.
“These new laws will build on our successful dog registration model to help promote the health and wellbeing of Canberra’s cats and responsible pet ownership,” it said.
Information on cat registration and containment can be accessed at this PS News link.
