Joondalup crack down on cats
Pet owners in the City of Joondalup could soon face fines if their cats are found roaming in certain parks and reserves proposed as prohibited areas under new local pet laws.
Among the areas set to become cat-prohibited zones are Craigie Open Space, Warwick Open Space, the Hepburn Heights Conservation Area in Padbury, and most of the foreshore reserves in the city.
Cat owners may face a $100 penalty if their pets are caught in these areas.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.
Joondalup is also set to reduce the number of cats allowed per household from three to two, in line with existing dog ownership limits.
PerthNow understands the new restrictions would not be applied retrospectively.
The changes are part of the city's proposed Animals Local Law 2025, which is currently back out for community consultation after the addition of the new cat-prohibited areas.
During last year's consultation period, the city received 120 submissions, most of which supported tougher cat regulations such as curfews and restrictions in natural areas.
The addition of cat-prohibited areas to the local law was suggested to the city by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
Those wanting to own three or more cats will need to apply for special approval from the city under the updated local pet laws.
Applications to keep more than two cats would be assessed based on factors such as the physical suitability of the premises, environmental impact, the likelihood of a cat causing a nuisance to neighbours, and the overall effect on the surrounding area.
In addition, the city may impose conditions it considers reasonably necessary, such as requiring adequate fencing and sufficient exercise space for cats before granting approval.
The city said the changes were aimed at protecting native wildlife from cats.
'The proposed cat prohibited areas are focused primarily on major conservation areas and high priority natural areas, with the addition of some medium priority natural areas that form part of the Yellagonga Regional Park to protect biodiversity in areas of conservation significance,' City of Joondalup officers said in a report.
The Federal Government estimates that feral cats kill 1.5 billion native mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs each year.
Joondalup's move comes as the City of Stirling also looks to crack down on roaming cats.
Under proposed changes, Stirling residents living within 200 metres of designated cat prohibited areas — set to nearly quadruple from 11 to 41 — would need a permit to keep a cat.
The City of Wanneroo took similar action on cats earlier this year, declaring 28 reserves off-limits to cats.
And with the price of eggs soaring, the City of Joondalup is also proposing in the new local law to double the poultry limit per household from six to 12, meaning residents could soon own up to a dozen chickens.
Consultation on the City of Joondalup's proposed new Animals Local Law is now open until August 8.
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