(File image). Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Nelson City Council is considering whether to introduce a cat management bylaw, that would see mandatory microchipping, microchip registration, and desexing for companion cats in the region.
At a council meeting last October, elected members requested staff collect options for consulting on such a bylaw as a way to address some of the common cat nuisance problems. It was now engaging with the Nelson community to see if the public support such a move.
Council's environmental management group manager Mandy Bishop said the proposed bylaw aimed to enhance the welfare of cats, improve their chances of being returned if lost, reduce the impact of wildlife and support responsible pet ownership.
She said it could significantly benefit the feline population and the broader community. With more than 1.2 million known companion cats in New Zealand, the country has one of the highest rates of cat ownership in the world.
"It's crucial that we hear from our residents and understand their perspectives before moving forward. New Zealand has one of the highest rates of cat ownership in the world, so it's a decision that will affect all of us. We are committed to taking an approach that balances the actions requested by our elected members with the wishes of the Nelson community," said Bishop.
Similar cat management bylaws have been introduced by councils in Whāngarei, Ruapehu, Whanganui, Manwatū, Palmerston North, Selwyn Hutt City and Wellington.
Tasman District Council and Buller District Council have also considered introducing cat control bylaws.
Parliament's environment select committee is recommending the government create a nationwide cat management framework, which would see almost all cats be registered, desexed and microchipped.
Nationally, cat overpopulation results in thousands of unwanted cats and kittens being abandoned, killed inhumanely or left with welfare organisations each year. Desexing cats was an effective way to help lessen this problem. To prevent unwanted kittens, early-age desexing could be undertaken provided the young cat was in good health.
Residents are invited to have their say on the proposed bylaw until 23 June.