All Ruapehu cats older than six months will now need to be de-sexed, microchipped and on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register following Council's recent bylaw review.
Executive Manager Regulatory and Customer Services Warrick Zander said that during the Bylaw consultation the proposed regulation changes covering cats received a significant amount of feedback with double the number of submitters in favour of tighter controls than against.
“People told us they wanted to see regulation to help with stray and feral cats, local cat rescue services being overwhelmed, the dumping of unwanted cats/kittens and to help reduce impacts on our wildlife.
The implementation of de-sexing, microchipping and registration brings Ruapehu in-line with many other districts and are considered part of being a responsible pet owner,” he said.
“Council feels the new regulations are good for cats, cat owners and the community.
Female cats can start having kittens from the age of five months and have up to four litters of six kittens every year resulting in a lot of unwanted litters and wider problems.
In addition to reducing unwanted litters and feral cats preying on our wildlife de-sexing means your cat is less likely to roam and get run-over, and is less likely to fight with other cats which often leads to injury, infection and vet bills.
Microchipping and registering your cat means it can be easily identified and returned to you if it is lost, disorientated or during a civil defence emergency.”
Mr Zander noted that Council was not about to seizing cats or start fining people who do not immediately comply with the new regulations.
Our focus is very much on educating people and highlighting the many benefits of de-sexing, microchipping and registration of cats.
If we find out you have a cat that isn't compliant we'll remind you of the requirements as well as provide some guidance on how to achieve this.
People with old cats or medical conditions can also get an exemption certificate through their vet.
While Council recognizes that the cost of compliance may be a barrier for some people local vets have vouchers to help low income households or owners can take their cats to the SPCA annual 'Snip and Chip' event to be de-sexed and microchipped at a significantly discounted rate.
More information is available on Council’s website ruapehudc.govt.nz or by searching #RuapehuCats on Facebook,” he said.
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