We're proposing to make a local law to control cats in certain natural areas. It also has provisions to outline and clarify the number of cats that can be kept without approval.

The purpose of the proposed local law is to provide the City of Fremantle with measures in addition to those under the Cat Act 2011 to control the keeping of cats.

The effect of the proposed local law is to make provisions about the keeping of cats, to control the number of cats that can be kept, the places where cats can be kept and prescribe areas in which cats are prohibited.

Why is this being proposed?

At the Ordinary Council Meeting on 25 September 2019 a motion was raised including the recommendation that the City of Fremantle initiate the adoption of a Cat Management Local Law. Council supported this motion and requested the process of creating a City of Fremantle Cat Management Local Law be initiated.

Proposed cat prohibited areas

The proposed Cat Management Local Law will designate a number of natural areas as cat prohibited areas, in order to better protect biodiversity. The proposed 'cat prohibited areas' are:

• Booyeembara Park
• The Royal Fremantle Golf Course
• The Fremantle Public Golf Course
• Bathers Beach Reserve
• Sir Frederick Samson Park
• Cantonment Hill
• Leighton Beach Reserve
• Port Beach Reserve
• Rocky Bay Reserve
• North Fremantle Foreshore Reserve (including Prawn Bay)
• South Beach Reserve
• Hollis Park, Sandown Park and any other land within the boundary of the former South Fremantle landfill site

If any registered cat is captured in one of the proposed cat prohibited areas, the owner would be committing an offence and subject to a fine.

View the proposed areas below or download a copy by clicking here or from the document library.

Cat welfare provisions

The proposed local law would also carry over a number of existing provisions from the Health Local Laws 1997 to protect the welfare of cats. This includes requiring an application to the City to have more than 3 cats or to operate a cattery or cat management facility, and to meet basic welfare requirements.

How can I find out more?

To read a copy of the proposed local law, click here or visit the document library. Hard copies are also available at the City of Fremantle administration office at Fremantle Oval, 70 Parry St Fremantle.

You can also chat to us in person and view an example trap at one of our informal information sessions:

• Saturday 7 December 2019, Booyeembara Park (near the lake) corner Montreal and Stevens St, Fremantle. Drop in anytime between 8.30am to 10.30am. Look for the City of Fremantle banner.

• Saturday 7 December 2019, Point Direction Reserve (lawn area) 17 Direction Way, North Fremantle. Drop in anytime between 8.30am to 10.30am. Look for the City of Fremantle banner.

Please share your thoughts on the proposal below by 5:00pm Friday 20 March 2020 or attend one of the drop-in sessions.