Released 24/06/2019
Canberrans still have time to have their say on a new Draft ACT Cat Plan which seeks to better manage cats for the health, welfare, and safety of cats and native wildlife.
More than 2700 people and organisations have already submitted surveys or written submissions.
“It’s estimated about a quarter of Canberra households own a cat. Cats provide love and companionship to many. In return, it is essential we provide safe and happy homes for them,” Minister for City Services Chris Steel said.
“The draft cat plan supports a vision where all cats will be owned, wanted and cared for by responsible owners.
“Living in the bush capital, many Canberrans enjoy living close to nature, however, for our native wildlife, this also means they are often vulnerable to predation from our cats,” Minister Steel said.
“It is important we have a conversation on how we can all work to protect our environment from cats as well as keeping our cats safe. Without a community supported cat plan, we will continue to see both animal welfare issues and significant environmental impacts from cats in the ACT.
“We have been getting a lot of great feedback from the community on a range of cat management issues and proposed actions including cat containment, desexing, cat registration and the control of unowned and stray cats. We are keen to hear from all Canberrans but particularly cat owners to get their thoughts on how we should manage cats going forward,” Minister Steel said.
The draft plan has been developed as a priority under the ACT Government’s Animal Welfare and Management Plan 2017-22 and the consultation also forms part of a broader discussion on responsible pet ownership in the ACT.
To submit feedback or find our more visit: www.yoursay.act.gov.au
Consultation closes Friday 28 June 2019.
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases
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