Released 12/01/2016
With only four weeks left to provide feedback, Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury, today reminded Canberrans to have their say on two proposed cat containment areas in the ACT.
“In early December 2015, community feedback was invited on the Government’s proposal to declare the suburb of Casey in Gungahlin and land adjacent to Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve, including Kingston Foreshore and The Causeway, as cat containment areas,” said Mr Rattenbury.
“We have encouraged residents to have their say on the timeframe for commencing the declaration in both areas and the extent of the containment in areas adjacent to Jerrabomberra Wetlands. To date, more than 130 pieces of feedback have been submitted via the online survey however it would be great to receive more.
“Under the Domestic Animals Act 2000, an area can be declared a cat containment area where cats pose a serious threat to native wildlife. Jerrabomberra Wetlands is one of the most valuable wetland habitat areas in the ACT. It is of national and international importance serving as a refuge for migrating bird species and supporting a number of frog, reptile and mammal species. Casey’s close proximity to the Kinlyside Nature Reserve means that native wildlife is at risk of predation by roaming cats.
“In recognition that people are already living in these areas, the commencement date for the cat containment declaration will be delayed to give residents time to implement cat containment measures on their premises. A similar arrangement has been agreed to for the suburb Jacka where the commencement date isn’t until 1 January 2017.”
Mr Rattenbury said there are currently 12 cat containment areas in the ACT including Bonner, Coombs, Crace, Denman Prospect, Forde, Jacka (from 1 January 2017) Lawson, Molonglo, Moncrieff, Throsby, Wright and ‘The Fair’ at Watson.
“In cat containment areas, cats must be confined to their owner’s or carer’s premises at all times,”
Mr Rattenbury said. “There are a number of ways cats can be contained whilst remaining happy and healthy, including keeping them indoors or providing a purpose built enclosure that will give shelter as well as access to the outdoors.
“I encourage residents living within the proposed cat containment areas to provide their feedback online at www.timetotalk.act.gov.au before consultation closes on Friday 12 February 2016,” Mr Rattenbury concluded.
For more information about cat containment in the ACT, including frequently asked questions, visit www.tams.act.gov.au
- Statement ends -
Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases
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