The Western Australia (WA) government is proposing new legislation that would enable local councils to implement rules regarding the containment of pet cats. Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley announced these plans, aiming to empower councils to regulate cat movements, particularly to safeguard native wildlife such as birds. Currently, the process requires councils to seek permission from a state parliamentary committee, and many have faced refusals, leading to a backlog of requests that has inhibited local governance on this matter.

With the introduction of this bill, councils would gain the authority to mandate that pet cats remain within their owners' properties and potentially limit the number of cats that individuals can keep. The proposed change reflects growing concerns over the impact of roaming cats on local biodiversity and is seen as a necessary step to protect vulnerable wildlife species from predation. If the legislation is passed by both houses of the state parliament, it could lead to significant changes in how pet ownership is regulated in WA.

Supporters of the bill argue that giving local councils more power over cat containment is vital for environmental conservation and wildlife protection. Meanwhile, critics may raise concerns about the potential impact on pet owners and the feasibility of enforcing such laws. Overall, the outcome of this proposal could set a precedent for similar initiatives across Australia, influencing how communities manage pet populations and their interaction with local ecosystems.