Statewide cat management strategy

On the 9 January 2025 the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) commenced the development of a statewide cat management strategy which will be the framework for the statewide management of owned, unowned and feral cats.

The strategy will be developed with stakeholder and industry input and the state government will present a draft strategy for public consultation in mid-2025.

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December 2024 Council decision

At the meeting on 10 December 2024, Council considered the feedback received through community engagement. An overview of the full survey results can be viewed on the survey outcomes page.

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

In 2024 we 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.

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