The Western Australian Government has announced $3 million in spending to implement cat legislation aimed at reducing the thousands of stray cats being euthanised each year.

 

State Local Government Minister John Castrilli said the funding would also be used to help promote responsible cat ownership as the legislation is rolled out over the next 18 months.

 

The aptly named Cat Act will see owners require the identification, registration and sterilisation of their feline companions, while local governments will be given the power to enforce the legislation.

 

The legislation will also attempt to mitigate the negative effects of the state’s feline population by funding cat pound facilities and for other capital costs, including microchip readers, cat traps and ranger training.

 

The State Government will conduct a consultative process to deliver the best cat management strategy.

 

“The Department of Local Government will be working with veterinarians and other stakeholders over the next six months on the best way to provide this assistance,” Mr Castrilli said.

 

“Efficient and cost effective means of providing these facilities are being explored in conjunction with cat welfare organisations and local governments.”

 

According to the State Government, there is overwhelming support for these initiatives from both cat people and non-cat people, as shown in the 590 submissions received in response to a consultation paper released in 2010.  

 

We’re not sure if anybody’s told the cats about the forced steralisation initiative though.