Keeping the Cat Local Law current and effective

The City of Melville Cat Local Law 2025 supports the responsible ownership and management of cats within the City of Melville. It operates alongside the Cat Act 2011 and outlines requirements relating to cat control, registration and enforcement to help protect community safety, amenity and animal welfare. The Cat Local Law 2025 (Local Law) was gazetted on 25 July 2025 and came into effect on 26 October 2025.

Following gazettal, the Joint Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (JSCDL) reviewed the Local Law and raised matters requiring amendment to ensure compliance with legislative requirements.

At the November 2025 Ordinary Meeting of Council, Council resolved to undertake amendments to the Cat Local Law within 12 months. The City has prepared the proposed City of Melville Cat Amendment Local Law 2026 to address these matters. At the April 2026 Ordinary Meeting of Council, Council resolved to endorse the proposal for public advertising.

The purpose of the City of Melville Cat Amendment Local Law 2026 is to amend the City of Melville Cat Local Law 2025.

The effect of the City of Melville Cat Amendment Local Law 2026 is to remove the reversal of onus of proof and to ensure that the City of Melville Cat Local Law 2025 is compliant with requirements of the Joint Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.

Cat Amendment Local Law 2026 open in new window

In accordance with section 6.12(3)(a) of the Local Government Act 1995, the City is inviting public submissions on the proposed amendment.

Submissions must relate to the proposed amendments only and not the entirety of the Cat Local Law 2025.

Opportunities to get involved

To assist in the preparation of your submission, please review the proposed Cat Amendment Local Law 2026. Submissions must be received by 4.00pm Thursday, 30 July 2026 and can be made via one of the following methods:

  • Online: by completing the online submission form below
  • Mail: City of Melville, Locked Bag 1, Booragoon WA 6954
  • Phone: 08 9364 0666 or 1300 635 845
  • In person: City of Melville Civic Centre, Libraries, Community Centres or LeisureFit Booragoon.