How must I take care of my cat under the Companion Animal Act?

The Companion Animals act is about protecting the welfare of animals, their owners, the community and the environment.
It involves a system of permanent identification and lifetime registration so a lost animal can be returned home. Permanent identification is by use of a microchip.

The Act encourages people to desex their cats and dog. The cost of registration is substantially less for desexed animals. A further discount is also available for pets of pensioners and registered breeders.

As a cat owner you must follow these rules which are set out in the Companion Animal Act, 1998:-

• The law gives cats specific protection and also introduces responsibilities for cat owners.
• From 1 July 1999 all new cats or kittens must be permanently identified and lifetime registered.
• Also from 1 July 1999 all cat owners must identify their cat either by collar and tag or by microchip
• If your cat causes a nuisance to neighbours, through noise or by attack on animals, the owner must act to control the action causing the nuisance.
• Stray cats that attack animals on someone else's property may be removed.

 What happens if I don't follow these rules?

When a cat is casuing a nuisance, such as persistently noisy, damaging property, a Council Ranger may serve a cat owner with a Nuisance Order requiring the owner to take action to prevent the nuisance.

Council Rangers or the Police may issue you with an on-the-spot fine or alternatively you may be taken to court if you breach the rules. The court may fine you up to $550.