Limit on cat ownership deadline looms

Limit on cat ownership deadline looms

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From October 12 onwards, residents who wish to keep more than two cats must apply for a permit from the City. Image - Unsplash.

With new limits on the number of cats a person can keep coming into effect next month, the City of Gosnells is urging residents who own more than two cats to register them as soon as possible.

After Friday, October 11, residents wishing to keep more than two cats must apply for a permit from the City.

However, those who registered more than two cats before October 12 will be exempt from this requirement.

The City is also reminding all dog and cat owners that pet registration renewals are due by Thursday, October 31.

As it is required by state law, Mayor Terresa Lynes said pet registration can be beneficial in ensuring the safe return of lost pets.

“Registering your pet is the best way to ensure your pet is returned quickly and safely if it wanders or becomes lost,” she said.

“Even if your pet has been registered for life, the annual pet registration deadline is also a timely reminder to check that all your contact details are up to date so Rangers can reach you if they find your pet lost on the street.”

The Cat Act 2011 mandates that all cats over six months must be sterilised, microchipped, and registered, while the Dog Act 1976 requires all dogs over three months to be microchipped, registered, and wear a registration tag.

A 50 per cent discount on fees for new one-year registrations made between June 1 and October 31 is available to residents, as all will expire on October 31, regardless of the registration date.

The maximum penalty for failing to register a cat or dog is $5,000.

For more information or to register your pet, visit gosnells.wa.gov.au.