Western Australia moves to force roaming cats indoors

Western Australian Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley announced plans to amend the 2011 Cat Act so that councils can introduce cat containment measures from February. The proposed changes would allow councils to require owners to keep cats on their own property, ban cats from public reserves and parks, impose curfews and ensure cats are under effective control.

More than 20 Perth metropolitan councils have previously sought to regulate outdoor cats, but only three regional councils succeeded under the current law, which requires parliamentary committee approval. Over 300 reserves, parks and protected bushland areas already restrict cats. Cat Haven chief executive Roz Robinson said the not‑for‑profit organization supports the review, noting many councils do not enforce existing regulations.

If enacted, the law could standardise cat containment across Perth, affecting pet owners and wildlife management throughout Western Australia.