Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council is considering a significant expansion of its cat containment policy, which could soon require all cat owners to keep their pets indoors permanently. The proposal aims to safeguard both the local feline population and the region’s wildlife.
The council’s existing Cat Containment Policy, implemented in May 2021, already mandates that cats in select areas of the Queanbeyan-Palerang local government area (LGA) must remain within their owner’s property at all times, either inside the residence or in an outdoor enclosed space. Cats may only leave the property if confined in a cat carrier or secured on a leash.
The proposed update would extend this policy to the entire Queanbeyan-Palerang region, making it a universal requirement for all households.
Expanding Cat Containment
A spokesperson for the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) emphasized the dual benefits of the policy—improving cat welfare and protecting local wildlife.
“Studies indicate that cats kept safely at home are less likely to contract diseases, tend to live longer, and are less prone to injuries,” the spokesperson stated. “This policy also plays a vital role in conserving our native wildlife, a concern that resonates with many of our residents.”
The updated policy, if adopted, would be reviewed every four years, or sooner if legislative changes necessitate it.
A Staged Implementation
The rollout of the expanded policy would occur in two phases:
Phase 1 (Starting July 1, 2025): Cats born on or after January 1, 2025, must be kept indoors.
Phase 2 (Starting July 1, 2026): All cats, regardless of age, must be contained indoors.
The council plans a “staged approach” to help ease the transition for residents and their pets, particularly for older cats.
Enforcing the Policy
Under the new rules, residents who spot a roaming cat can report it to the council. While animal management officers will not respond to calls outside business hours, residents are encouraged to secure the cats themselves if possible. The council also offers cat traps for hire, requiring a refundable deposit.
If a roaming cat is captured, the animal will be taken to the council’s animal management facility to be scanned for a microchip and either returned to its owner or made available for adoption.
Repeated reports of a cat roaming in containment areas may result in the animal being classified as a nuisance, potentially leading to penalties for the owner.
Existing Cat Containment Zones
The current containment policy already applies to areas such as Jumping Creek, Googong Sunset, Elmslea Grove (North Elmslea), Braidwood Ridge, and South Jerrabomberra (Tralee). By 2026, the policy will also encompass all remaining areas of Googong.
This expansion comes in response to increasing complaints about cats in the area. Issues raised by residents have included cats defecating in private gardens, scratching vehicles, fighting at night, and hunting native wildlife. Complaints of cats contributing to nuisance barking in dogs have also been noted.
Tackling Feral Cats
In addition to the containment policy, the Australian Government has announced funding for innovative technologies aimed at curbing the feral cat population. These initiatives, which include drone-based thermal cameras and eDNA technologies, are designed to track and reduce the ecological damage caused by feral cats on Australia’s native wildlife.
As Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council awaits public feedback on the proposed changes, it is clear that both cat welfare and wildlife protection remain key priorities for the community. The full implementation of this policy could make Queanbeyan a model for responsible pet ownership across New South Wales.
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