Paul Thorn and Krystal Obshonka rescued nine ducklings and their mother from a cat. Photo: L-A Shibish.
Esperance Shire president may adopt a local law requiring cat owners to keep their pets within their own properties to protect wildlife, Shire president Ron Chambers said.
His comments came after WA Local Government minister Hannah Beazley told Parliament her Government was preparing amendments to the Cat Act.
“The Cook Labor Government has decided to amend the Cat Act to enable local governments to make and enforce local laws regarding cat containment,” she said.
“These reforms will provide a framework for local laws which promote responsible cat ownership including cat containment; empowering individual councils to engage with their communities on these issues.
“Work has commenced on the amendments to the Cat Act and a Bill is anticipated to be introduced in 2026.”
Mr Chambers said council would look at revisiting the Esperance cat local law if the WA Government changed the Cat Act to allow it.
“It is a problem faced by more than this council,” he said.
“There has been pressure by a number of local governments to get this brought in.
“I think it is a great move if our State Government is listening to local councils to bring in what the community wants.”
Esperance wildlife rescuer and carer Lori-Ann Shibish welcomed the news.
“Every day roaming cats inflict pain and death on our wildlife,” she said.
“It’s not the cats’ fault as that’s their instinct.
“But cat owners can be responsible and behave responsibly like dog owners do, by containing their pets.”
However Ms Shibish said there was no need to wait until legislation was passed for cat owners to protect wildlife and also to keep their cats safe.
“Studies show contained cats live longer lives,” she said.
“You wouldn’t let your dog roam and risk getting run over by a car, so why do people risk the lives of their pet cats by allowing them to roam?”
