By JONATHON HOWARD
FROM the end of September cat registration will no longer be mandatory under a move that Noosa Council says will save rate payers in the long run.
But cat owners will still need to ensure they have their animal micro-chipped to determine ownership if cats are lost or impounded.
The report said a microchip, which is still mandatory for all cats and dogs, has a much greater chance of identifying an owner and reuniting them with lost or impounded pets.
The State Government last year voted to remove mandatory cat registration and placed the onus on local governments to retain or abolish cat rego. Noosa Councillors considered a staff report that suggested cat registration provided little benefit to cat owners and was seen by the community as little more than an excuse for a council fee.
The move was expected to cost council $18,000 in revenue from fees. However, a Noosa Council press release said it would save substantially more than that in management costs associated with cat registration complaints and management of registration records.
Council will continue with a feral cat control program to address environmental concerns caused by cats.
Cat registration in Noosa Shire will cease on 30 September with cat owners not issued a renewal notice this year.
