WESTERN AUSTRALIAN councils could soon have greater power to control roaming cats under proposed changes to the state’s cat laws.

The Cat Amendment (Local Laws) Bill 2026 passed the Legislative Assembly earlier this month, which would allow local councils to introduce their own cat containment laws and decide what restrictions are appropriate for their communities, including cat curfews, restrictions on cats entering public parks, or requirements for cats to remain on their owners’ properties or be contained or under effective control when outside.

Local government minister Hannah Beazley described the Bill as an “enabler for local governments”, allowing councils to create rules that reflect their individual circumstances.

There would be no statewide curfew or prescribed curfew hours under the proposed changes, with councils able to decide whether to impose a curfew and what hours it would cover.

The minister gave 7pm to 5am as an example of a possible local law, but said the choice would be up to councils.

Councils could also require cats to remain on their owners’ properties at all times, rather than imposing night curfews.

Maylands resident David Dyke said it was a joy to his ears when Ms Beazley was able to get the Bill into the lower house.

“I congratulate minister Beazley in getting it [the Bill] through the lower house,” Mr Dyke said.

City of Fremantle councillor Adin Lang has been an advocate for the amendment of the Cat Act since 2019, saying the original Act was “a bit of a mess”.

“What we’re trying to achieve is two things; we want to protect our wildlife, and we want to keep our cats safe,” he said.

“I think the curfew is not a good option whatsoever and it shouldn’t be entertained.

“Statistically speaking, if you love your cat, it’s going to live. You’re going to have more years to love your cat because it’s going to live longer if you keep it at home.”

WA Feral Cat Working Group executive Dr Bruce Webber said education was an important part of reducing the number of roaming cats and the WA Feral Cat Working Group has been working with organisations including Cat Haven, veterinarians and local governments to educate owners about keeping cats contained.

While the Bill could allow councils to introduce curfews, Dr Webber strongly disagrees with this approach.

“Overnight curfews are an absolute joke, they are not effective for anything,” he said.

by JANA EDWARDS