Ipswich City CouncilCatsAlmost 30% of Australian homes have a cat. Cats are wonderful companions, but along with the positives they can have negative impacts on our community and environment. There are a number of responsibilities you have as a cat owner. It is important that you understand these responsibilities and the laws that apply to the keeping of cats. Curious About Cat Registration?The Animal Management (Cats & Dogs) Act 2008 was introduced by State Government which requires all local authorities to introduce compulsory cat registration from 1 July 2009. From the same date the Act also requires owners to ensure that any cat is microchipped before they are sold or given away. As this is the first year that cat registration has been introduced in Ipswich, Ipswich City Council has decided to apply introductory rates for cat registration. The introductory rates will apply for all cats until 30 June 2010 at:
Please use the Dog and Cat Registration Form below for all cat registrations. (This form can also be used for registering your dog.)
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Cat RegistrationWe have developed a number of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) about your responsibilities regarding cat registration.
FAQ 1 - How much will registration cost me and how often will I have to register?As this is the first year that cat registration has been introduced in Ipswich, Ipswich City Council has decided to apply introductory rates for cat registration. The introductory rates will apply for all cats until 30 June 2010 at:
Fees are required to be paid annually and the registration period runs per financial year. FAQ 2 - How will I confine my cat to my property?It is quite easy to train your cat to become an indoor cat however you may wish to build an enclosure or make your fencing escape proof. Information about confining your cat is detailed below under 'What Are My Responsibilities to the Community and Environment?'. FAQ 3 - Isn't it just revenue raising! What do registration fees go towards?Queensland State Government introduced the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 as a method of reducing the euthanasia rates of unwanted cats and dogs. Registration fees are used to subsidise the Animal Management program which includes things such as:
FAQ 4 - If my cat is registered will I have to pay to get my cat out of the Pound?If your cat is registered and is wearing its registration tag you will not be charged a release fee on the first occasion (depending on your history of compliance). If the cat is impounded again, fees will apply. If your cat is not registered fees will apply.
What are my Responsibilities Under State and Local Laws?As a responsible cat owner you must:
What are my Responsibilities to the Community and Environment?Highly adaptable and flexible, cats fit into domestic life easily. They are however, predators by nature and will go looking for mates, defend territory and hunt wildlife, particularly during the dusk to dawn period. It is during this time that your cat is most active and vulnerable if outside. The following tips will not only help you reap the benefits of protecting your cat, but you will also minimise the potential disruption to the community and the impact on the surrounding environment:
Confine your cat to your property at all timesWandering cats are vulnerable to disease and attacks by other animals. They are also likely to attack other animals. Even when confined to your property, you should attach one or more bells to your cat's collar to alert wildlife. Roaming cats can become lost and many are never returned to their owners. Often cats cause disputes and anxiety between neighbours by causing dogs to bark, by fighting with other cats or by defecating in neighbouring gardens. This is not fair to your neighbours. How you prevent your cat from wandering is up to you as long as you keep your cat safe and clean. The RSPCA can provide advice on confining your cat. Remember: By law you must confine your cat to your property at all times - cats are not allowed to roam. Protecting your catTo minimise disruption to your neighbours, always keep your cat confined to your property and it is recommended that they be confined inside your house or an enclosure of a night. Cats kept inside generally live much longer than cats that are allowed outside. Around 80% of accidents involving cats occur at night. Confining your cat at night will minimise the risk of injury and prevent it from fighting with other stray cats. How to confine your catTo assist your cat in becoming accustomed to being confined to your property:
Cats are quite intelligent and easy to train through repetition, similar to training a dog.
Identification tagsIn addition to having your cat micro chipped and wearing its registration tag, it is a good idea to also have your cat wear a tag with your phone number on it. In the unfortunate event that your cat is lost or is taken to the pound, there is a greater chance your cat will be returned to you. Desex your catWhether you have a male or female cat, you should have your cat desexed if you do not intend breeding. Female cats can become pregnant from as young as 5 months of age. During the breeding season (Spring to Autumn) your cat will take every opportunity to escape from your property if not desexed to try and find a mate. Unless you're prepared to look after kittens and find a home for them, desex your cat. Contact your local veterinarian to discuss desexing your cat. You will also be responsible for micro chipping any kittens prior to selling or being given away from 1 July, 2009.
Dispose of cat faeces and urine in a nuisance free mannerThe smell of cat faeces and urine can be quite offensive. Ensure that you regularly collect your cat's faeces from your property and dispose of it responsibly. You can place it in the wheelie bin if it is wrapped. Encourage your cats to use kitty litter for urination rather than the house yard. This confines the smell to one spot and the kitty litter can be removed once a day to reduce odour. It is recommended that you do not bury used kitty litter in the garden. Wrap it and place it in the wheelie bin. Ensure regular vet checks and wormingJust like dogs, cats require regular worming for intestinal worms and heartworm. Regular health checks and vaccinations by your local veterinarian will ensure your cat leads a healthy long life with you and your family. How Many Cats May I Keep?You may keep two(2) cats on your property. A kitten is considered a cat at 3 months of age. What If I Want To Keep More Than 2 Cats?Domestic Cat Permits, if approved, allow you to keep 3-4 cats as pets. The conditions of these permits require you to be able to demonstrate the ability to confine all your cats to your property. The cats must be desexed. Restricted Cattery Permits are available to those persons who wish to keep up to 4 cats for breeding purposes. There are a number of conditions to comply with this permit. Cattery Permits allow you to keep more than 4 cats. Conditions also apply to these permits. The Planning and Development Department of Council may also have relevant requirements for catteries, phone (07) 3810 6666.
Further Information
Last Updated 9 Oct 2009 |
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