2014-07-22 Infrastructure & Services Committee Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                   22 JULY 2014


 Cat registrations currently generate approximately $18,000 annually in fees. The cost to
   Council to manage the register, respond to cat complaints, generate accounts and follow up
   on unregistered animals is in excess of the income generated by cat registration;
 Research shows that micro chipping rather than registration improves the percentage of cats
   re-united with their owners if they are lost or misplaced;
 The registration of cats is seen by some residents as just another excuse for local
   governments to collect a fee; and
 A number of surrounding local councils are opting out of cat registration because of the
   minimal benefit to the community, little perceived benefit to cat owners and the fact that
   registration does not address most environmental concerns about the impact of feral cats.

Gympie Council for example had cat registration several years before the state introduced
mandatory registration. Gympie Council has now decided not to register cats, as have Brisbane
City and Moreton Bay Councils.


Previous Council Consideration
A number of years ago Noosa Council rejected registering cats after receiving a comprehensive
report on the pros and cons of cat registration. Since that report was tabled there has been no
significant change to the arguments for and against cat registration.

Finance & Risk
There is no financial risk to Council from ceasing to register cats as the loss of revenue ($18,200)
is offset with a reduction in workload associated with staff no longer being required to manage a
cat register and follow up on complaints.

Recognising the negative impact feral cats have on the environment, Council will continue with its
feral cat control program, even though cats will no longer be required to be registered.

Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Nil.

Internal Consultation
Councillors
Director Community Services
Management Accountant - Finance

Departments/Sections Consulted:

X      Community Services                          Planning & Infrastructure
X      Disaster Management & Public Order          Building & Plumbing Services
       Waste & Environmental Health                DA Planning
       Community Facilities                        Strategic Land Use Planning
       Cultural Facilities                         Asset Design & Investigations
                                                   Asset Planning
                                                   Civil Operations
                                                   Environment

       Executive Office                        X   Corporate Services
       Community Engagement                    X   Finance
       Customer Service                            ICT
       Executive Support                           Procurement & Fleet
       Governance                                  Property & Facilities
       Human Resources                             Revenue Services



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