Updated cat management plan two years behind schedule

Two years after it was due, the Tasmanian government has released the draft of its next cat management plan.

Compulsory registration of cats, mandatory indoor containment and reducing distances for the humane euthanasia of strays are among the new proposals in the plan.

Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce said the government was committed to working with the community on effective cat management in Tasmania.

“We want to hear from Tasmanians right across the state as we develop this plan, which will inform how we address cat management over the next five years,” Mr Pearce said.

“This is about more than just sorting feral cats; it’s about key cat management priorities such as welfare, community support, protecting the environment and building collaborative partnerships.

“We’ve continued to see the impacts of feral cats on our agricultural and natural environments, and we know we must continue to act.”

Greens environment spokesman Vica Bayley said the new plan was years overdue.

“In 2024, then-Primary Industries Minister Jane Howlett promised that a new 2024-2029 Cat Management Plan was already under development,” Mr Bayley said.

“Two years later, and all we have is a discussion paper.”

Mr Bayley said cat management was an important issue.

“Appropriate management of cats is crucial, both to prevent the spread of toxoplasmosis to people and livestock, and to protect wildlife.

“Given the importance of this issue, it’s really disappointing that we’ve seen the government dragging their feet on developing a new management plan for so long.”

The state government did not answer questions as to why the new cat management plan had been delayed.

“Tasmania's first comprehensive Cat Management Plan has remained in place since its inception, and we are working with the community to develop the next iteration,” a government spokesperson said.

“The next plan will build on the significant progress made since 2017, outlining key cat management priorities such as welfare, community support, protecting the environment and building collaborative partnerships.”

Consultation on the new cat management plan closes on May 15.