Published on:
Friday, 20 February 2026
Key Points:
Following ongoing advocacy, WALGA welcomes the State Government’s intent to introduce the Cat Amendment (Local Laws) Bill, giving Local Governments the power to respond to their own communities' needs regarding cat containment.
If passed, the Bill will enable Local Governments to make and enforce local laws around cat containment.
WALGA President Karen Chappel AM JP said the Association had long advocated for the State Government to prioritise reforms to the Cat Act 2011, following the Statutory Review undertaken and tabled in State Parliament in November 2019.
"WA has needed clear direction and legislative changes to ensure Local Governments can implement effective Cat Local Laws, and we acknowledge the State Government's commitment and engagement with the sector," President Chappel said.
"Empowering Local Governments to be able to implement cat containment measures in response to their communities and individual circumstances, is vital for promoting responsible pet ownership and safeguarding the natural environment."
If passed, the Bill will reflect WALGA’s advocacy, allowing for the creation of local laws that:
For more information on the review, visit:
www.lgirs.wa.gov.au/cat-act-review
- State Government to introduce the Cat Amendment (Local Laws) Bill to State Parliament
- WALGA has been leading advocacy calling for legislation to support Local Governments to manage cats
Following ongoing advocacy, WALGA welcomes the State Government’s intent to introduce the Cat Amendment (Local Laws) Bill, giving Local Governments the power to respond to their own communities' needs regarding cat containment.
If passed, the Bill will enable Local Governments to make and enforce local laws around cat containment.
WALGA President Karen Chappel AM JP said the Association had long advocated for the State Government to prioritise reforms to the Cat Act 2011, following the Statutory Review undertaken and tabled in State Parliament in November 2019.
"WA has needed clear direction and legislative changes to ensure Local Governments can implement effective Cat Local Laws, and we acknowledge the State Government's commitment and engagement with the sector," President Chappel said.
"Empowering Local Governments to be able to implement cat containment measures in response to their communities and individual circumstances, is vital for promoting responsible pet ownership and safeguarding the natural environment."
If passed, the Bill will reflect WALGA’s advocacy, allowing for the creation of local laws that:
- contain cats to the owner’s property
- ensure cats are under effective control and do not create nuisance in public spaces
- are not allowed on private properties without expressed permission, and
- are prohibited from ecologically sensitive areas.
For more information on the review, visit:
www.lgirs.wa.gov.au/cat-act-review
