By Dominique Tassell
A new cat management strategy was adopted by Southern Downs Regional Council at the 28 September meeting, although some elements of the strategy have been delayed.
The consultation period for the new strategy started on 12 July with 63 written submissions received from the community.
The top three areas of feedback was for the introduction of a desexing program, the containment of cats, and the introduction of cat registration.
Council has allocated $30,000 in the operational budget for the introduction of a cat desexing program. Staff reported that negotiations are currently ongoing with the National Desexing Network to start such a program in the Southern Downs.
It was considered that mandatory desexing of cats not be considered at this time but this matter can be further considered as part of the next rendition of the strategy, once data has been received on the success or otherwise of the desexing program.
Council’s local law currently state that a person who keeps an animal must maintain a proper enclosure to prevent the animal from wandering or escaping from the person’s land.
Staff proposed an education campaign regarding the containment of cats, accompanied by a stronger enforcement process to ensure compliance.
It is a statutory requirement to have a cat microchipped, with staff suggesting this be focused on rather than taking on the cost of making cat registration mandatory.
“With current resourcing levels, there simply isn’t the capacity to take on the introduction of cat registrations.“
The report stated that any possible introduction of cat registrations can be considered as part of further renditions of the strategy.
In the meeting, councillors raised concerns about how certain elements of the strategy would be enforced.
A staff member said the current response to complaints about wandering cats is to give out cat traps, with no follow up.
He said there would be a change in the approach under the new strategy, where officers will follow through with the enquiry if the location of the cat is known.
Cr Andrew Gale said he was concerned about the animal control officers’ workload under the new strategy.
Cr Stephen Tancred asked about the compulsory desexing program and when it would be up for review.
A staff member said that would be up review in 2026, and would be for the next term of council to review.
Cr Sheryl Windle said she thought it was important to follow up on council’s involvement with the National Desexing Network (NDN), as this will allow more control of the issue and assist staff with the impoundment work load.
Cr Tancred then raised community engagement for the strategy, saying most people wanted cats registered and they’re told they can’t because of workload.
“What’s the potential difference between numbers of dogs and cats and potential damage?“
He said he would vote against the report because it didn’t absorb information from their community consultation.
Cr Jo McNally highlighted that the report states they will create a report on registration, due next year.
A staff member confirmed this, saying they would be pursuing this outside the motion before council.
Mayor Vic Pennisi then asked about the implications to the budget of registration.
A staff member said it would depend on how they wanted to roll it out, for example by door knocking to find out who owns cats.
Another staff member said they could have a similar system to how they register dogs but costs have to be factored in.
Cr Windle raised that she would like to see youth education on this topic pursued as this could have a large and beneficial impact.
Cr Windle asked for a follow up on the desexing program and presentation at the next information session.
The motion was moved by Cr McNally and seconded by Cr Cynthia McDonald, with everyone bar Cr Tancred and Cr Bartley voted in favour of it.
