The Queensland government has officially rejected a petition aimed at tightening laws on domestic cat ownership, despite garnering over 1,100 signatures. In March, Sunshine Coast resident and Councillor Tony Magrathea tabled such a petition. Upon their introduction, these largely misconstrued Animal Rights regulations riled pet owners by imposing new restrictions to keep cats indoors or caged outside the home.
Professor Phill Cassey wants to make it illegal to own more than one cat. He thinks our present approach to managing domestic cats is deeply inadequate. In this light, he underscores the increasingly pressing need for a centralized governing body to manage cat ownership in the entire state. Differing policies for each local council are exacerbating the chronic issue with feral cats.
Disappointment with Government Response
Mr Magrathea told the BBC he was disheartened after the government rejected the petition on Thursday. His point included that the patchwork of laws across Queensland’s 77 local government areas only adds to problems caused by feral cats.
“Some [councils] have limited how many [cats] you can have, some you have to register them, some you have to keep inside and it’s pot luck where you live as to what rules you get,” – Tony Magrathea
The petition had focused on the well-documented and serious threat that domestic cats pose to native wildlife. Professor Cassey said feral cats have played a role in the extinction of many small native mammals.
“They cover over 99 per cent of the continent and they have led to the direct extinction of a number of small native mammals,” – Professor Phill Cassey
Call for Unified Regulations
It’s hard to believe, but Dr. Cassey—who is a vet—strongly believes in banning cats. Cathy suggests that although cats are among our most valuable companion animals, their presence outdoors can be incredibly devastating to wildlife. He argues that a clearer strategy and more unified approach is essential if it is to be run properly.
“We don’t want to stop people having cats, they’re an incredibly important companion animal, but they need to be kept inside because once they’re outside they have a devastating impact on our animals,” – Dr. Phill Cassey
In response to the petition’s rejection, Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett defended the government’s stance, asserting that local governments are better equipped to manage cat populations based on their unique community needs.
“Cat management in the community is a complex and sensitive issue due to the diverse and wide-ranging views on how cats should be managed,” – Tony Perrett
The Road Ahead
This debate over legal limits on domestic cat ownership is sparking serious political controversy in Queensland. Advocates like Dr. Cassey and Mr. Magrathea are doing an admirable job of raising awareness about the dangers feral cats pose to our native wildlife. The call for a more unified approach to managing cat ownership highlights an ongoing concern for both animal lovers and environmentalists alike.
