Hutt City Council is proposing a new set of rules regarding the management of our feline friends. The amendments to the Control of Animals Bylaw aim to microchip, register, and desex cats in the community. With the consultation period running until 6th November 2023, let’s take a look at what these proposed changes entail and why they matter.
Why Amend the Bylaw?
The Control of Animals Bylaw currently has rules about keeping animals such as goats, poultry, and bees, as well as animal-related noise. But when it comes to cats, it’s been a bit of a grey area. The council, having consulted with the SPCA, local cat rescue organisations, and Hutt City Council’s Animal Control Team, believes it’s high time to address the issue. The main reasons include:
- Management of cat populations
- Protecting local biodiversity
- Reducing disease transmission risks
- Minimising nuisance and offensive behaviour
What Are the Proposed Changes?
Mandatory Microchipping
Currently, there’s no rule about microchipping cats. However, microchipping is crucial not only for managing the number of feral and stray cats but also for reuniting lost pets with their owners.
Mandatory Registration on the NZ Companion Animal Register (NZCAR)
The proposal aims to register microchipped cats on the NZ Companion Animal Register (NZCAR). This is important because a microchip not registered on the NZCAR is only useful at the place where the chip was implanted, usually a vet clinic, making it much more difficult to find a pet’s owner.
Mandatory Desexing
The proposed amendment aims to control the feline population effectively and offers health benefits to the cats. Desexed cats are generally less aggressive and less prone to marking behaviours.
How to Have Your Say
Your voice matters! The council encourages any person or organisation interested in these proposed amendments to provide feedback. You can offer your insights online at Hutt City Cats Consultation or drop off a written submission at any Council hub. The deadline for submissions is 5pm on 6th November 2023.
Conclusion
These proposed amendments are designed to create a more responsible and humane approach to managing the cat population in Lower Hutt. While these changes may require some adjustment, they promise to benefit not just the cats but also the community and the local ecosystem.
Don’t forget, the consultation period is limited, so make sure to have your say before the 6th of November. Because this is the changing of a bylaw, the manor in which the consultation is occurring is prescribed by law. Your input could play a vital role in shaping future animal control policies in the area.
Further Reading:
To get all the details, visit Hutt City Council’s Official Site.
