Shire chief executive Rhonda Hardy said the council had spent more than $24,000 to develop a cat management facility, as well as make necessary upgrades to records keeping software to enable the processing of cat registrations.
The Cat Act 2011 requires all cats aged six months and older to be microchipped, sterilised and registered.
The fee for registering a sterilised cat is $20 for one year, $42.50 for three years and $100 for a lifetime.
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Ms Hardy said the shire would continue to take registrations without penalty this month.
‘However, from December 1, the shire will begin to issue cautions or infringement notices to residents who have breached the Cat Act 2011,’ she said.
Residents can call the shire on 9257 9999 if they have a cat on their property that doesn’t belong there and require ranger assistance to remove it.
It would cost the owner of a registered cat $55 to release the animal if it is impounded and $100 for an unregistered cat.
Additional costs would be incurred if the cat was unsterilised or not microchipped.
Residents can register their cat by post, fax, email or in person at the shire administration office or online at kalamunda.wa.gov. au.
‘A range of user-friendly and informative fact sheets are available on the shire website and we encourage all residents with cats to familiarise themselves with the new requirements,’ Ms Hardy said.
‘It is crucial to be informed regarding the changes to ensure compliance.’
The shire began processing the registrations on Tuesday.
Residents should ensure their registration form is fully completed.