The Tasmanian Government has released the What We Heard Report: Cat Management in Tasmania Discussion Paper, outlining community feedback on the future of cat management in Tasmania.
Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future we are working to manage and eradicate pest species across Tasmania.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, said 515 submissions were received.
"This demonstrates strong community interest in how domestic, stray and feral cats are managed across Tasmania," Minister Pearce said.
"There was broad support for measures to promote responsible cat ownership, with 81 per cent of respondents supporting compulsory cat registration, 90 per cent supporting greater transparency about whether cats advertised for sale or rehoming meet legal requirements, and 71 per cent supporting a ban on feeding stray cats.
"Cat containment was widely supported as an important way to protect wildlife, reduce nuisance behaviour and improve cat welfare.
"Feedback also highlighted the importance of education, incentives and practical support, including subsidised desexing and microchipping, assistance with cat containment and public awareness initiatives.
"There was also strong support for actively managing stray and feral cats through trapping, coordinated management programs and practical support.
"Importantly, the community also emphasised that any new measures should be practical, affordable and supported by education and effective compliance and enforcement.
"The next step will be to use the feedback received through consultation to inform the development of the new Tasmanian Cat Management Plan, which is expected to be released in the new year"
The feedback captured in the What We Heard Report will help inform the development of the next Tasmanian Cat Management Plan.
