Nelson takes first steps to establish cat bylaw

It could soon be compulsory for Nelson cat owners to microchip and desex their felines, as the city council takes the first steps towards establishing a cat management bylaw.

At a meeting last Thursday, councillors voted 12 to one to begin the process of creating a draft bylaw, with councillor Tim Skinner the only one voting against it.

This follows in the footsteps of Tasman District Council, who are also working on a bylaw, with the two local authorities hoping to align as much as they can.

In a report to the council, staff said a bylaw would help control feral and stray cats and introduce compulsory microchipping and desexing of companion cats, supported by an education programme.

Cat management bylaws are strongly encouraged by the SPCA who say that microchipping can help distinguish companion or managed stray cats from feral cats and can help ensure a lost or injured cat’s owner can be identified and contacted.

Desexing can reduce unwanted litters, increase lifespan, reduce spraying and marking, lower the risk of cancer, and decrease aggression and roaming.

“SPCA supports the work of councils who pass bylaws to manage cats to reduce overpopulation of unplanned litters in communities, improve welfare of companion animals and protect biodiversity,” says national desexing programme manager Rebecca Dobson.

“Seventy per cent of incoming animals to the SPCA come from unplanned litters of kittens, along with numerous lost cats, and sick and injured cats and kittens.”

Mayor Nick Smith said he was keen to work “in parallel” with Tasman on the bylaw “as closely as the law will allow”.

However, councillor Tim Skinner did not support the move.

“They have quite different requirements when it comes to cats being pests in their rural areas... they have different issues and need different tools,” he said.

Staff said they would work closely with Tasman and the aim will be for both councils to have their bylaws become operative at the same time.

Other councillors were in full support, with Kahu Paki Paki calling it a “no brainer” while  Matthew Benge said Nelson needs to “catch up with TDC and do our bit”.

“This is something that we just have to do as a nation if we want to save our birds.”

Staff said they hope to commence a public survey “as soon as possible” and a draft bylaw will be developed and brought back to council for consideration by September this year.