Hundreds of Shoalhaven cat-owners will receive a letter in the mail this week, urging them to register and desex their pets.
Under the NSW Companion Animals Act, residents with cats over the age of four months are required to desex the animals or obtain an annual permit.
In partnership with the RSPCA, Shoalhaven Council also encourages cats to be desexed to improve the feline's health and wellbeing, minimise nuisance behaviour and protect wildlife.
"In the Shoalhaven, we estimate there are almost 500 cats over four months old that remain unregistered and undesexed. This is deeply concerning, not only for the welfare of these animals, but also for the wellbeing and amenity of our towns and villages," said Mayor Patricia White.
"With no laws preventing cats from roaming in NSW, undesexed cats that wander can become aggressive, territorial, and a serious threat to our native wildlife, and they're also at greater risk of being injured," Cr White said.
"I encourage all cat owners in our community to prioritise desexing, microchipping and registering their pets. These simple steps enhance your cat's wellbeing, save you money, and help reduce impacts on other residents and their animals," she said.
An annual permit for a cat that is not desexed by four months of age costs $99. The cost to register a desexed cat is $70 or $35 for residents who receive the Age Pension.
A permit late fee of $23 may also apply and failure to comply may incur a penalty of $400. Owners will have 14 days to pay the annual permit and, if required, lifetime register their pet upon receipt of the letter.
Residents are also reminded to keep their pets details up to date, particularly following a recent move or change of ownership. Updated details can be submitted via the NSW Pet Registry or at council.
