Cat and dog laws set for review – public asked for comment

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch is encouraging pet owners and members of the public to help shape cat and dog laws in NSW, as the State Government conducts a wide-ranging review of the Companion Animals Act 1998 (CA Act).

For the first time in two decades the government will review these laws to greater support responsible pet ownership and ensure the wellbeing of pets and the safety of communities.

The review will examine all aspects of the care and management of companion animals in NSW, including addressing the urgent need to prevent dogs and cats from entering the pound and rehoming system.

It will also explore actions taken in other jurisdictions and the role and enforcement responsibilities of councils.

Key issues under consideration include: cat management; preventing dog attacks; pounds and rehoming services; registration and desexing; stakeholder roles and responsibilities and the regulatory tools available under the legislation; and responsible pet ownership education and training.

The review will be informed by several NSW parliamentary inquiries, including the inquiry into the veterinary workforce shortage, the inquiry into pounds and the inquiry into the management of cat populations.

The findings and recommendations from recent coronial inquests into fatal dog attacks in NSW will also be considered.

Pet owners, councils, rehoming organisations, veterinarians and other stakeholders can provide feedback on the discussion paper before May 4 by responding to consultation questions.

“Pets provide unconditional love and companionship to so many people, and we need to have strong laws that hold pet owners to account and ensure that owners are taking responsibility for their pets in both private and public settings,” Tesch said.

“I have witnessed for myself the increased pressure experienced by council pounds and rehoming organisations when adopting my beloved dogs, and with pet ownership on the rise now is the time for a review of laws around pet ownership.

“I strongly encourage the public to provide feedback on their experiences with pet ownership, veterinary care, the role of council, and any other issues that they believe should be considered as part of this wide-ranging review.”

To view the discussion paper and provide feedback go to www.olg.nsw.gov.au/companion-animals-act-review/