Cats and Other Animals

Wellington

Cats

In Tasmania there is no current legislation dealing with the control of cats.  Responsible pet ownership is very important.  You should only keep a pet if you have the time and money to care for it.  Cats are wonderful companions but they are natural hunters.  Cats can kill birds, reptiles and small mammals.  

  • Having your cat microchipped will assist most vets and animal shelter staff when trying to locate the owners of a lost or injured animal. If you are unable to have you cat microchipped, a collar with your name and contact details would be helpful
  • Desexing your cat assists in decreasing the stray animal population and makes your cat less likely to roam from your home
  • Please ensure that your cat's vaccinations are up to date - healthy cats are less likely to spread disease
  • Having a collar on your cat with a bell may help warn native animals of an attack.  However cats have been known to mask the sounds of the bell by changing their movements
  • Keeping your cat indoors in the evening and at night will ensure its safety and that of the native animals in the area.  Native marsupials in particular feed mostly in the evening and at night

If your cat is missing or you have found a lost or stray cat please contact the Hobart Cat Centre as soon as possible:

Hobart Cat Centre 

12 Self's Point Road
New Town TAS 7008

Phone: (03) 6278 2111
Fax: (03) 6278 3111

Domestic fowl and pigeons

A person must not keep any domestic fowl or pigeons within six metres of any dwelling-house or allow them to have access to any area within six metres of a dwelling-house except if the sale of live poultry is part of the usual business of any shop and the poultry is in properly maintained cages. For further details refer to the:

Hobart City Council Health and Environment Services By-Laws 1997.

It is important for these animals not to cause a nuisance.  Council also has powers under the Local Government Act 1993 to ask the owner of the animals or the property owner when the owner of the animals can not be located to remove the nuisance.  Issues relating to noise and smell can also come under this Act.

Other poultry

A person must not keep any poultry other than domestic fowl or pigeons within twelve metres of any dwelling-house or allow the poultry to have access to any area which is within twelve metres of a dwelling-house. Further details can be found in the:

Hobart City Council Health and Environment Services By-Laws 1997.

It is important for these animals not to cause a nuisance.  Council also has powers under the Local Government Act 1993 to ask the owner of the animals or the property owner when the owner of the animals can not be located to remove the nuisance.  Issues relating to noise and smell can also come under this Act.

Rabbits (vermin)

Under the Vermin Destruction Act 1950 it is the responsibility of every occupier of land to suppress and destroy vermin.

For any complaints relating to rabbits on private land please contact the Department of Primary Water and Industries on (03) 62 336 884.

Bees & European wasps

Council does not remove European wasps or bees from private property.  Property owners are advised to contact a pest controller or seek advise in removing the nests themselves.

The keeping of bees in the Hobart area is permitted as long as they do not create a nuisance.  For example if the bees interferes with the health and well being of your neighbours you may be asked to removed the bees under the Local Government Act 1993.

Horses & pigs

A person must not keep any horse or pig in a stable or sty lot without first obtaining the approval in writing from the General Manager.  Again responsible pet ownership is very important.

A wandering horse is not only a danger to the public but it is also a danger to itself.  It is also an offence under the Local Government Act 1982 for animals to wander onto a highway. Therefore fencing must be adequate.

Under the Traffic (Road Rules) Regulations 1999 livestock (includes, but is not limited to horses, cattle, sheep and goats) must not be unattended on a road or shoulder of a road.

Snakes

Snakes in the summer months can pose quite a problem in urban areas. If you see a snake in any Council parks or reserves contact the Animal Control Section of Hobart City Council as soon as possible on (03) 62 382 182. Where possible, keep a view of where the snake is so it is easily found when the Officer attends.

If a Snake is on private property it is up to the owner to have the snake removed. Council recommends the use of Reptile Rescue who can be contacted on 0407 565 181.