Frequently Asked Questions
How is a by-law created
Creating a council by-law is a long consultative process.
This survey is the start of the process which will provide information to Council on whether the community want a cat management by-law and what you would find acceptable in that by-law.
Using this survey your responses will be reported back to Council. Council will then resolve to either stop investigating a cat management by-law or continue with the process to gazettal and enactment of the by-law.
If Council decides to continue the process, then a report must be prepared for the State Legislative Review Committee of Parliament to consider whether the by-law should be disallowed.
If passed by Parliament, four months after gazettal the by-law will be in force.
What is a by-law?
By-laws complement Council's responsibilities and powers under both state and federal legislation. The process for a Council to establish a by-law is set out in the Local Government Act 1999.
How does Wattle Range Council enforce its by-laws?
Wattle Range Council by-laws are used to respond to issues and community needs within a local context. They typically deal with, but are not limited to, the protection of local amenity as well as regulating activities on council controlled land and roads.
What is the difference between unowned and feral cats?
Unowned cats are dependent on human society for food and shelter, but nobody claims ownership or responsibility for them. They often live in colonies.
Feral cats are non-domestic cats, born in the wild and are not dependent on humans for food and shelter. They often live in their immediate family group or solitary and have no or minimal contact with humans.
See more information on the Dog and Cat Board website