Council ends cat registration

Noosa Council has voted to end cat registration in the shire, a move which is expected to be welcomed by pet owners. 

Last year the State Government removed its mandatory requirement for cats to be registered and placed the responsibility with local governments under a local law. 

Council this week considered a staff report that suggested cat registration provided little benefit to cat owners and was seen by the community as little more than an excuse for a council fee.

The move is expected to cost council $18,000 in revenue from fees, but it will save substantially more than that in management costs associated with cat registration complaints and management of registration records.

The report stated that registration does not guarantee cats will be reunited with their owners if they are lost or impounded.

It said a microchip, which is still mandatory for all cats and dogs - has a much greater chance to identify an owner and reunite them with lost or impounded pets.

Council will continue with a feral cat control program to address environmental concerns caused by cats.

Cat registration in Noosa Shire will cease on 30 September with cat owners not issued a renewal notice this year.

1 August 2014