Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels and ranger Emma Gillham.
Camera IconRockingham Mayor Barry Sammels and ranger Emma Gillham. Credit: Supplied/Elle Borgward

Owners must know Cat Act facts

Laura Tomlinson, Weekend CourierWeekend Kwinana Courier

The City of Rockingham has remodelled part of its existing dog pound to accommodate cats, which will be impounded if they are found wandering and if their owners cannot be identified.

The new section includes a separate area for holding cats and 10 special enclosures specifically designed for cats.

Overall, $8000 and $5000 has been allocated in the City’s budget over the next two years to allow for the required pound improvements.

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The facility will be operational from November 1 but impound fees are yet to be determined.

Last year, 15,000 healthy excess cats and kittens were destroyed in Perth alone.

Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said cats would be impounded for a minimum of three days prior to being available for adoption. Cats will also be transferred to the Cat Haven in Shenton Park.

‘Remember to register your cats with the City from November 1,’ Cr Sammels said.

‘Cats must be sterilised and microchipped to be registered.

‘Concession card holders are eligible for a 50 per cent discount on registration fees, which are $20 per year or a $100 once-off lifetime fee.

‘The new legislation encourages responsible pet ownership and aims to reduce the number of unwanted cats.

‘We are taking names and contact details of people who are interested in registering their animals; once the Act comes into effect, a registration form will be mailed to people to complete the registration.’

Call the City of Rockingham on 9528 0333 for more information on cat registration.

The cat act facts:

From November 1, 2013, the

full Cat Act 2011 takes effectand will require all cats thathave reached six months ofage to be:– Microchipped– Sterilised, and– Registered with the relevantlocal government.– Wearing a collar and registrationtag to ensure they canbe easily identified andreturned.