Cats
Guide to Owning a Cat in the Shire of Dalwallinu
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What do the new cat laws mean for you and your feline friend?
The new cat laws are about encouraging responsible pet ownership and reducing the number of unwanted cats in the community and the number that are euthanised each year.
What does this mean for you and your feline friend?
From 1 November 2013, all cats that have reached six months of age are required by law be:
- Microchipped;
- Sterilised; and
- Registered with the Shire of Dalwallinu
My cat is very old - do I still need to have it sterilised?
Yes, the legislation applies to cats of all ages.
However, your vet can issue an exemption certificate if sterilising your cat is likely to have a negative impact on your cat’s health and welfare.
Registering your Cat
To register your cat you need to complete an Application for Cat Registration available from the Shire Office and website, provide proof of sterilisation and micro chipping and pay the prescribed fee. You will be issued a registration tag which the cat must have attached to their collar and a registration certificate.
Cat Registration Fees
| Registration |
1 Year |
3 Years |
Lifetime |
| Full Fee |
$20.00 |
$42.50 |
$100.00 |
| Pension Concession |
$10.00 |
$21.25 |
$50.00 |
Concessions*
Pensioners will receive a discount on registration fees. The pension card must be presented at the time of registration.
Impounded Cats
Any stray cats will kept for 3 days and then destroyed if the owner cannot be found.
Feral strays will be destroyed immediately.
How does this affect cat breeders?
Even if you wish to only breed one litter from your cat, you are considered a cat breeder.
If you are a current cat breeder or wish to become a breeder, you must apply for a permit from the Shire. These permits are valid for 12 months. A fee is payable.
Transfer of Ownership
The Shire of Dalwallinu MUST be notified of a change of ownership. Failure to do so may result in a fine.
When a cat is sold or given away, the seller must ensure the cat is microchipped and sterilised prior to transfer.
If the cat cannot be sterilised due to its health or age, the seller must issue a prepaid sterilisation voucher to the new owner.
Keeping and Control of Cats Local Law
The Shire of Dalwallinu has Local Laws in place which control the number of cats kept on premises.
You can keep up to three cats at one premises without a permit. You will need to apply in writing to Council to keep more than three cats at your premises.
Fines and Penalties
|
Infringement Notice |
Court Imposed Penalty |
| Unregistered Cat |
$200 |
$5,000 |
| Failure to wear a tag |
$200 |
$5,000 |
| Interference with a tag |
$200 |
$5,000 |
| Failure to microchip |
$200 |
$5,000 |
| Interference with microchip |
$200 |
$5,000 |
| Failure to sterilise |
$200 |
$5,000 |
| Identifying as sterilised a cat that is not |
$200 |
$5,000 |
| Transferring a cat that is not microchipped or sterilised |
$200 |
$5,000 |
| Failure to notify the local government of new owner |
$200 |
$5,000 |
| Failure to notify the local government of detail changes |
$200 |
$5,000 |
| Breeding cats when not an approved breeder |
$200 |
$5,000 |
| Cats must not be offered as a prize |
$200 |
$5,000 |