How to cut stray cat numbers in a way that works better for everyone
A major issue in most Australian cities and towns is stray cats. They put a load on government resources and generate a lot of complaints about obnoxious behavior and urban animals. In the end, the significant expenses incurred by roaming cats are borne by ratepayers.
Microchipping and registration of your cat
Microchipping, desexing, registering, and containing cats on property owners’ properties are all required, although their impact has been little. Most urban areas are home to both domestic cats and stray animals. The majority of stray animals reside in lower income suburbs, where they are fed and cared for by kind neighbors who are regarded as semi-owners.
Cats themselves and the problems they present are frequently the main topic of conversation when it comes to cat overpopulation. The shortcomings of the present management approaches, including local government trapping programs, to reduce the population of cats are disregarded.
In Victoria, all cats 3 months of age and over must be registered with the local council. Existing registrations must be renewed by 10 April each year.
If being registered for the first time, cats must be microchipped before registration.
Your cat’s council registration tag should be attached to an elasticised collar or safety collar that breaks away if they get caught on something. The collar should be firmly fitted. You should be able to fit 2 fingers comfortably between your cat’s collar and its neck. Place a bell on the collar to alert any animal that your cat tries to stalk and catch.
Yet even after these rules are in place, councils continue to pay for the upkeep of cats without considering “why are current practices not working?” or “Are we operating within the terms of our social licence?” Stated differently, is there widespread consensus in favor of mass cat euthanasia?
Trespass and nuisance
If your cat is found wandering off your property and is not identified, it can be seized and impounded. You may have to pay a fine when reclaiming your cat from the Council pound.
If your cat (even if it is identified) wanders onto another person’s property more than once, it may be seized and impounded. Council can issue an order to stop your cat trespassing and if you don’t comply you can be fined.
Some Councils require cats to be confined to their owner’s property during certain hours. Others prohibit or restrict cats in some places. Check with your local council to see if these requirements apply in your area.
To enhance cat welfare and safety in the City of Whittlesea and foster a harmonious environment for pets, people, and other animals, cat confinement and mandatory desexing for newly registered cats were introduced on August 1, 2023.
All cats in the Whittlesea city area must be confined to their owner’s property or under effective control when outside. Additionally, all newly registered cats must be desexed.
These measures were endorsed by the Council as part of the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-2025. Recognising the significant change for cats and their owners, the Council provides support and information, including educational materials, videos, and practical advice for a smooth transition.
Health and welfare
An estimated 50,000 people pass away annually with cats. Many families don’t want them and just release them or call the council to come and collect them. Many employees in animal management suffer greatly as a result of this.
It is essential to refocus on implementing better management practices. A community-based, no-barrier cat desexing program is the answer. In order to prioritise community service over enforcement, animal management officers must also adopt a new mentality.
Our most recent study highlights the outstanding outcomes of one such initiative that was fully supported by a single local government. In eight years, euthanasia decreased to less than 5% and cat intakes decreased to a third of their previous levels. Cat-related grievances also decreased.
Over the course of eight years, the council saved about half a million dollars thanks to these results.
