Time to revisit bylaws on cats

❝ Speaking to cat lovers and vets in Toowoomba who believe a direct line can be drawn between the decision to discontinue cat registration and the number of ‘half-domesticated’ felines in Toowoomba, the bylaw has been a failure.

A FEW years ago, the State Government repealed state-wide mandatory cat registration.

At the time, we were told this was to empower and reduce the regulatory burden and red tape for councils and cat owners.

“Councils are best placed to decide the most practical and appropriate approach to local issues associated with domestic cat ownership,” Biosecurity Queensland officer Greg McDougall said.

Councils henceforth could determine whether the benefits of cat registration warranted its continuation in their area. They would also have the ability to make and enforce local laws.

Speaking to cat lovers and vets in Toowoomba who believe a direct line can be drawn between the decision to discontinue cat registration and the number of “half-domesticated” felines in Toowoomba, the bylaw has been a failure.

Even though owners are still required to have their cats microchipped, fewer people are doing so. Ditto the decision to have their cats desexed.

The result is a slide in responsible cat ownership and more strays around the city.

It’s been a few years since cat registration was discontinued.

And people who work with animals doubt its efficacy.

It’s time Toowoomba Regional Council revisited the issue.