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

    Responsible Cat Ownership & Feral Cat Management

    The Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership while balancing community harmony and environmental protection. Managing cats involves clear legal responsibilities, distinct strategies for residential areas, and strong partnerships to protect our local ecosystem.
    🐾 Registration and Microchipping: A Vital Safety Net
    The single most important step you can take for your feline companion is ensuring they are microchipped and registered.
    When a cat is trapped or found, a microchip is the only definitive way to determine if it is a beloved domestic pet or a feral animal.
    • Our Promise: Our friends at Blackwood Biosecurity scan all captured cats. Any microchipped cat is immediately referred to the Shire Ranger team so we can safely reunite you with your pet and manage the matter appropriately under the Cat Act 2011.
    • The Risk: Without a microchip, it is nearly impossible to distinguish a domestic cat from a feral pest, putting roaming pets at risk.
    🚫 Domestic Cat Trapping & Nuisance Issues
    The Shire strictly adheres to the Cat Act 2011 and the Animal Welfare Act 2002.
    • Not Our Goal: Deliberately trapping domestic cats or operating trapping programs within residential areas is not how the Shire manages neighborhood nuisance issues.
    • Our Approach: In alignment with our strict Ranger Procedures, we focus on owner education, neighbourly resolution, and lawful interventions. We do not support or conduct domestic cat trapping to solve civil or residential disputes. Trapping will only occur following a reasonable nuisance investigation that rules out all other options and once all local registered cat owners have been advised. 
    • Business Hours: All cat nuisance inquiries and investigations are managed strictly during standard business hours.
    🌲 Feral Cat Control & Pest Management
    To protect our native wildlife from true feral pests, the Shire works alongside regional environmental experts.
    • Blackwood Biosecurity currently holds a contract with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to manage feral pests across the Lower Southern area.
    • If you are dealing with a feral cat issue that falls within the operational remit and targeted areas of Blackwood Biosecurity, residents are encouraged to contact them directly to discuss trapping options.
    • Remember, any domestic, microchipped cat that enters their system will be immediately redirected to the Shire Rangers.
    🏥 After-Hours Emergencies & Unwanted Pets
    Please note the Shire Ranger team does not have the capacity or facilities to accept or manage unwanted pets.
    • After-Hours Emergencies: For any urgent cat welfare or medical emergencies outside of business hours, please contact your local Veterinary Hospital or the RSPCA.
    • Surrendering or Adopting a Pet: Choosing an animal companion is a long-term commitment. If you have an unwanted pet or are looking to welcome a new "forever friend" into your home, please contact dedicated rehoming and rescue organisations who can assist with matching, rehoming, and care:
      • BARRC (Bunbury Animal Rescue Rehome Care)
      • SAFE (Saving Animals From Euthanasia)
      • Cat Haven
      • Your local accredited Veterinary Clinic
    • Should 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. Complete the change of address form and give a copy to the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes and your new City/Shire. You must also notify the Shire if your cat is deceased or goes to a new owner.

    • You can let the Shire know by completing an Animal change of details form (create link) and returning it to the Shire.

    Animal Change of Details

    Keeping more than the prescribed number of dogs or cats without the required local government approval may constitute an offence.

    The maximum of 3 cats per household applies to all cats over the age of 6 months.

    To seek approval, complete this application and obtain the Shire’s written decision before keeping animals above the applicable limit.

    Application to keep more than Prescribed