West Coast Council has received reports regarding the treatment of feral cats, including claims that individuals may be acting on behalf of Council. Council wishes to clarify the following:
- Only authorised officers of West Coast Council are permitted to undertake animal management activities on behalf of Council, including the trapping or euthanasia of cats.
- Authorised officers will carry and present Council-issued identification when collecting or handling animals for any purpose.
Council also advises that:
- Declared Cat Management Areas were not renewed following their expiry in April 2025.
- Council therefore has no Cat Management Areas in place, and no plans to reintroduce them at this stage.
- As Council does not have the appropriate means to carry out euthanasia in accordance with required standards, all Council-supported trapping and euthanasia activities relating to feral cats are currently suspended.
Council does not authorise or condone any inhumane treatment of animals, and any suggestion that individuals are acting on behalf of Council without proper authorisation is taken seriously.
Community members are reminded that there are strict legal requirements under the Cat Management Act regarding the trapping and handling of roaming or feral cats. Further information is available here.
If you believe unauthorised activities are taking place, or that someone is impersonating an Authorised Council Officer, please contact Council directly to seek clarification.
West Coast Council remains committed to ensuring animal management practices are carried out lawfully, responsibly, and humanely.