THE State Government has allocated $3.244 million to help local councils implement its cat control legislation aimed at reducing the numbers of stray cats.
Domestic cats must to be sterilised, microchipped and registered with local councils by November 1 next year under the Cat Act 2011, and provisions for councils come into effect from November this year.
Local Government Minister John Castrilli said the Cat Act “requires identification, registration and sterilisation of domestic cats, and gives local governments the power to administer and enforce the legislation.”
The funding would help councils provide cat pound facilities and for other capital costs such as microchip readers, cat traps and ranger training, Mr Castrilli said.
“Subsidies will be available for pensioners and other healthcare card-holders to assist with the cost of sterilisation. The Department of Local Government will be working with veterinarians and other stakeholders over the next six months on the best way to provide this assistance,” he said.
Augusta-Margaret River Shire president Ray Colyer said the council supported the introduction of new cat laws by the State Government.
“We welcome the announcement of the funding to assist with the implementation and administration of these laws,” he said.
