Overview
- The Legislative Council voted on 17 September to disallow Bayswater’s local law on committee advice that its confinement clauses conflicted with the Cat Act 2011.
- Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said work has begun on amendments, with a bill expected in 2026 to enable councils to make and enforce containment rules.
- Under current law, councils can prohibit cats from specified public places and enforce registration, microchipping and sterilisation, but confinement on private property is not authorised.
- Dozens of councils have tried to adopt containment measures, yet only Northam, Narrogin and Christmas Island have succeeded, drawing frustration from Greens and crossbench MPs.
- Supporters argue for containment to protect wildlife and reduce nuisance, citing high estimated kill rates and local efforts such as Pingelly’s ‘Save the Numbat’ proposal.