Community engagement outcomes

The community engagement process was successful in understanding participants’ sentiment to cat management. Overall, responses to cat containment indicated the following in priority order:

• continue to educate for responsible cat ownership
• continue to advocate for a statewide approach to cat management, and
• lastly to regulate.

An overview of the full survey results can be viewed on the survey outcomes page.

Council decision

At the meeting on 10 December 2024, Council considered the feedback received through community engagement.

As per Council’s resolution, the Mayor has written to Minister Susan Close and all State Government MPs in our City informing them of the results of the community consultation survey to deliver a statewide approach to cat management.

Furthermore, the council will:

• promote educational initiatives delivered by the Dog and Cat Management Board
• continue to raise awareness about the benefits of responsible cat ownership with the community
• encourage compliance through initiatives with organisations such as Safe Pets Safe Families.

To view the Council meeting agenda and minutes visit the City of Onkaparinga website.

Background

We recently undertook a survey to learn how many cat owners are currently containing their cats and the extent to which respondents experience issues with uncontained cats. We were also asking for community views on the best way to manage cats, considering the effectiveness and cost of regulation versus education. The survey covered:

• containment of owned cats
• limits on cats
• registration fees for cats
• preferred approach to cat management.