FAQs

The effect of Cat Amendment Local Law 2024 is to: 

• Reference the correct definition of 'Veterinarian' as per the Veterinary Practice Act 2021
• Ensure the local law does not place inconsistent or unauthorised conditions on cats being in public land beyond those provided in the Cat Act 2011
• Provide clarity in clause 3.3(2) and ensure proper operation of Item 3 in Schedule 2.

Clause 3.7(1)(b) provided that:

“3.7 Conditions

•  Every permit is issued subject to the following conditions:

(b)     each cat shall be contained on the premises unless under the  effective control of a person;”

The effect of the removal of clause 3.7(1)(b) is that the permit conditions cannot require cats to be contained on the premises unless under the effective control of a person, as the JSCDL deem this beyond the scope of the Cat Act 2011.

The removal of clause 3.7(1)(b) will not have a significant impact on the operation of the remaining provisions as the local law still provides that a person is required to have a permit to keep more than two, but not more than six cats, on any premises.

The Local Government Act 1995 establishes the procedure for making local laws.  The procedure requires the local government to give local public notice inviting submissions from the public for a minimum period of six weeks. Following the notice period, any submissions received are presented to Council who may then, by Absolute Majority, consider formally making the local law.