Cats
Cats are an important part of our community. They make wonderful pets and provide endless joy, comfort and support for many owners. But if we don’t manage them well, cats can also be a nuisance in our community and a threat to our native wildlife. Cats instinctively hunt, even well-fed pet cats. The prey that they catch can die from injury, shock, infection or disease.
As we live in an area abundant in native wildlife, some of which are threatened, and livestock grazing is important to our local economy and community, we encourage all cat owners to understand their responsibilities as a cat owner.
Cat Management Act 2009 – Proposed Cat Management Area
Published 5 February 2023
Brighton Council advises that it is proposing to declare a Cat Management Area in Brighton.
The area of land that is proposed to be declared a cat management area is 593-595 Briggs Road, Brighton i.e. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.
The reason for the proposed declaration is to create a safe environment for animals at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: cats are injuring or killing the animals within the sanctuary: some have ailments and injuries already and cats are exacerbating and delaying their recovery.
Submissions from the public as to the proposed declaration may be made to Council within 15 working days after this notice is published. Submissions may be emailed to the General Manager at admin@brighton.tas.gov.au or alternatively sent to the Council Offices, 1 Tivoli Road, Old Beach TAS 7017. Council will then consider all submissions lodged.
James Dryburgh, GENERAL MANAGER
Legislation
Recent amendments to the Cat Management Act 2009 are changing the way cats are cared for and managed in Tasmania.
These amendments will impact all cat owners and it is important all cat owners are aware of these changes.
Some of the amendments came into effect on 1 March 2021, with others starting in March 2022 to give people time to adjust to the new requirements.
As a cat owner you should be aware of what these changes are.
A summary of the key amendments can be found at the Tassie Cat website.
Pet Cats
Responsible cat ownership includes:
- Microchipping your cat so it is identified as your pet.
- De-sexing your cat. You can apply for a discounted service to have your cat de-sexed through the National Desexing Network
- Confining your cat to your property. This means indoors all the time, with suitable stimulation or providing enclosures to allow them outside within a controlled environment. These measures will help to keep your cat safe from disease and injury as well as protect our wildlife.
Feral Cats
Feral cats can carry parasites that could infect other animals, including pet cats and stock, with fatal consequences.
If you’ve seen a feral cat you can map it here.
For further information on feral cat management in Tasmania.
