Western Australia is eagerly waiting for the state government to act on a promise made last year to fix outdated cat laws that prevent local councils from effectively enforcing pet cat containment – as new research reveals the consequences of continued inaction.
The new study shows that preventing pet cats from roaming remains a major challenge across Western Australia, despite 78 per cent of local governments eager for reform and growing community support (73%).
‘Last year the WA government promised to change the law that makes it difficult for councils to act on pet cat containment. That commitment was welcome – but right now, councils are still stuck waiting, while wildlife and pet cats pay the price,’ Invasive Species Council CEO Jack Gough said.
‘Roaming pet cats are sending our suburbs silent. Every year across Australia they kill more than 300 million native animals – wiping out birds, reptiles, frogs and small mammals.
‘In the Greater Perth region alone, more than four million mammals, birds and reptiles are killed each month by roaming pet cats. Over the same period, more than 800 pet cats die from roaming-related injuries – deaths that experts say are entirely avoidable.
‘WA is lagging the nation when it comes to responsible pet ownership laws, and local councils are crying out for the state government to step up and empower them to protect wildlife.
‘The study shows that 78 per cent of local governments are now interested in implementing permanent containment for pet cats, meaning Western Australia could rapidly shift from national laggard to national leader – if legal barriers are removed.
‘Cats are incredible hunters and killers. We can’t change the nature of cats, but we can change the culture that allows pet cats to roam and kill our native animals.
‘This is a basic reform which will both protect our native wildlife and give our pets a safer, longer life.
‘For the sake of our numbats, terns, frogs and skinks, WA can’t afford to fail on cat containment any longer.
‘We look forward to the Cook Government following through on their promise.’
Media inquiries: (02) 8006 5004
Background:
- Roaming cats are at greater risk of death or significant injury from vehicle strike, from other cats and dogs, and snake bite. As they interact with other roaming cats, they are far more likely to catch severe disease, such as feline AIDS.
- Pet cats kill more than a million native animals in Australia every single day. Pet cats kill up to 50 times more animals on an area basis, compared to feral cats out in the bush.
- Permanently contained cats have lower rates of cat-borne diseases that can affect humans. Toxoplasmosis is one such disease, that can cause illness, miscarriages and birth defects in people. Treating cat-related disease in humans costs Australians $6.1 billion annually.
- There are many ways to prevent a pet cat from roaming without needing to spend a fortune. We must ensure that a pet cat’s physical and mental needs are met and that they are allowed to express natural behaviours, which together promotes good health and welfare and minimises stress. With a little effort, even cats previously used to roaming can adapt to a ‘happy at home’ lifestyle. If keeping them inside the house is not an option, then outdoor enclosures (a ‘catio’) work well. Walking a cat on a lead also gives them the chance to explore the outdoors while under effective control.
- A review of the Cat Act has, supposedly, commenced. The reality is, however, that legislative process means this review will not result in on-ground change for at least five years.
- For every month that we delay effective cat laws in Western Australia, we effectively endorse poor animal welfare outcomes for countless pet cats, increase the risk of human illness from cat-borne diseases, and enable the deaths of millions of native animals.
- While a review of the Cat Act is a longer-term mechanism for change, other solutions are required immediately to enable local governments to act on improving responsible cat ownership, particularly when it comes to enabling permanent containment.
Related Content
