The City's response to Nine News Perth about cat control/containment, 11.6.26
Question: Has the council ever attempted to bring in cat controls in the past?
Answer: No. The City’s Animal Management and Exercise Plan 2020-2025 proposed the City introduce a Cat Management Local Law prohibiting cats in its regional parks, conservation reserves and bushland areas.
In May 2026, the City adopted proposed Keeping of Animals Local Laws, including the introduction of cat prohibited areas and a cat nuisance provision. These Local Laws will come into effect once gazetted in 2026.
The City’s cat prohibited areas will include more than 90 regional parks, conservation reserves and bushland areas.
Cats deemed to be a nuisance by the City will result in the owner receiving a 28-day notice to stop the nuisance from occurring.
If found in contravention of these Local Laws, owners risk fines of $250, increasing to $500 for subsequent offences.
Question: What are its current rules around cat containment on residential properties?
Answer: There is currently no cat containment rules in the City’s Local Laws.
Under the WA Cat Act 2011, local governments cannot introduce cat containment rules, introduce cat curfews, or impose blanket bans on cats in public places.
The State government is reviewing the Cat Act to provide improved measures for the control and management of cats and cat owners plus give local government the ability to create Local Laws for cat containment. This is still in review.
State Parliament has introduced a Bill that would amend the Cat Act. The City is monitoring the Bill’s progress and if it passes through Parliament, will seek Council direction on whether to introduce cat containment requirements in the future.