Conveyancing – Purchasing in a Cat Containment Area
Melinda Love, Lawyer, explains your responsibilities when living in a Cat Containment area.
Driving through the newer suburbs of Canberra, you often see the above symbol. This symbol means that you are entering a Cat Containment area. Before purchasing in a Cat Containment area, you need to be aware of the restrictions you and your cat will face in your new home.
While in a cat containment area, you must keep your cat restrained at all times. You can restrain your cat by keeping them inside the house, or you can build a cat enclosure in the backyard. You can even walk your cat on a lead or harness, as long as they are in your control.
If your cat is found unrestrained within a cat containment area, he or she can be seized and an infringement notice of up to $1,500.00 can be issued.
The idea behind these areas is to protect native wildlife and other animals. By containing your cat you are also protecting them from hazards outside of your control such as vehicles and other roaming animals.
Of course, in a cat containment area you are still required to microchip your cat and cats over three months old must be de-sexed unless you have a permit.
To date, the following suburbs have been declared as Cat Containment areas: Bonner, Crace, Coombs, Denman Prospect, Forde, Lawson, Molongolo, Moncrieff, Wright, The Fair at Watson and Throsby. When considering purchasing in a new suburb, the contract will state if your new home is subject to these restrictions.
We are experienced in assisting purchasers to be aware of their obligations in their new home.
Please contact us if you require assistance.
This is general information and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Published 1 March 2017.
