CATS

The Cat Act 2011 was introduced by the State Government with the aim of encouraging responsible pet ownership and reducing the number of unwanted cats across Western Australia.

From 1 November 2013, cats over the age of 6 months must be:

  • Micro-chipped, wearing a collar and registration tags - for identification purposes;
  • Sterilised - unless being used for breeding purposes by an approved breeder; and
  • Registered - with the Local Government.

Rangers are authorised to enforce this legislation and fines may apply to owners who fail to comply.

    The purpose of the Cat Local Law is to provide for the management of cats throughout the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes.

    The effect of the local law is to promote responsible cat ownership and manage the control of cats within the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes.

    All cats over the age of six months must be registered within the Shire/City in which they normally reside. Registrations are due on the first of November each year and are current for either one or three years or the life of the cat. Registration helps you to recover your cat if lost and assists the Shire to encourage responsible cat ownership. A person under 18 years of age may not lawfully register a cat in his or her name. The cat must be registered by a parent or another adult who will then be regarded as the lawful owner.

    For kittens and cats new to the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes, please download the registration form and visit the Shire office to complete your cat’s registration. Proof of microchipping and sterilisation will be required

    Cat registration form

    Keeping Our Community & Pets Safe: Understanding Cat Trapping in Our Shire

    Did you know that you cannot independently set cat traps on your property or hire private traps without going through the Shire first?

    At the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes, our priority is always a community-first approach. We understand that roaming cats can cause disruptions, but any trapping actions must strictly follow the lawful Shire process.

    Why do we have a strict process?

    • Animal Welfare: It ensures all cats are handled humanely under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 and RSPCA guidelines.
    • Protecting Beloved Pets: It keeps local family pets safe from accidental or improper confinement and the distress that trapping may cause.
    • Amicable Resolutions: It stops small neighbourhood disputes from escalating unnecessarily.

    The Nuisance Resolution Process: How It Works

    If a roaming cat is causing an issue on your private property, you must follow these steps before any trapping can be considered:

    1. Have a Neighbourly Chat: If you know who owns the cat, we highly encourage speaking with them or sending a friendly note first. Many owners don't realize their pet is causing a nuisance!
    2. Keep an Activity Log: Request a Cat Activity Log from the Shire. You must formally document the disruptions over a continuous 7-day period.
    3. Submit a Nuisance Form: Return your completed 7-day log alongside a formal Cat Nuisance Report Form to officially activate a case with our Rangers.
    4. Shire Investigation & 7-Day Warning: Our Ranger team will inspect the area and issue formal Notice of Intent to Trap letters to all properties within a 4-house radius. This gives pet owners a 7-day window to secure their animals before any traps are authorised.

    Strict Rules for Shire Trap Hire

    If a case is approved and a resident utilizes an official Shire cat trap (subject to a refundable $100 bond and hire agreement), they must legally comply with mandatory welfare standards:

    • Constant Checking: Traps must be physically monitored at least every 4 hours during daylight and first thing in the morning. They can never be left active or unmonitored overnight.
    • Weather Restrictions: Traps must not be set if the forecast drops below 5°C, exceeds 30°C, or during severe weather warnings.
    • Shelter: Traps must always be set in shaded locations and protected from any adverse weather.
    • Immediate Cover & Notification: Once captured, the cat must immediately be covered with a blanket to minimize stress, kept in a calm place, and Rangers must be contacted straight away.

    Unlawful trapping or a breach of these welfare conditions can result in a forfeiture of your bond and immediate referral to the RSPCA or DPIRD.

    How to Protect Your Own Pet

    • Make sure your cat is microchipped, registered with the Shire, and wearing a registration tag. This ensures that if they are ever accidentally impounded, we can reunify you immediately.
    • Keep your animals safely contained on your property, particularly if you receive a Shire notice in your neighbourhood.

    Let's work together to look out for our local wildlife, our neighbors, and our furry companions.

    For questions, activity logs, or to speak with our team, please contact Ranger Services on (08) 9761 0800 or email us at btnshire@bridgetown.wa.gov.au

    • If you move within the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes, you must notify the Shire so that your cat’s registration details can be updated.
    • If you move away from the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes, you must notify us and transfer your cat’s registration to the new City/Shire.
    • You must also notify the Shire if your cat is deceased or goes to a new owner.

    You can advise the Shire by completing an Animal Change of Details Form