Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Tom Davidson

New law could see cats banned from going outside and dogs seized for barking loudly

Cats could be banned from going outside under radical new laws being considered by officials in Western Australia.

Dogs could also be seized for barking too loudly if the new legislation is approved.

The state government is reviewing current legislation after the number of stray and feral cats increased and dog barking complaints spiked.

About 25 people are taken to Perth hospitals for bites each week, according to local edia.

The WA Rangers Association (WARA) wants to silence loud barking dogs and are calling for stricter penalties for owners of dogs who attack.

If cats are restricted to being housebound there could be less feral cats (stock photo) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

UK weather forecast: Mini-heatwave to send temperatures soaring to 22C  

Proposed changes to the Cat Act could see the animals banned from going outside at night or may not be allowed to step outdoors at all. 

Owners of dogs who attack people or animals will be given a maximum fine of $10,000 (£5,400) or can be jailed for one year for more grave incidents under the current law.

However a review of penalties found they weren't high enough 'to make some people comply with their responsibilities of owning a dog'.

WARA president Dene Lawrence told PerthNow : "Greater enforcement powers to authorised officers and further amendments to dog barking offences are also required."

There have been complaints about dogs barking (stock photo) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Megan Newton's family claim cash for 'murdered teenager has been stolen'  

Rangers are urging to have a proper system to check the history of pets, after dogs who have previously attacked were re-homed or taken to foster care.

Cat Haven chief executive Roz Robinson said they were in favour of cats being completely contained inside the home.

He told 9News: "For their health, it's much better. They live a longer and happier life."

Allowing greyhounds to go muzzle free are among the other laws, which may be introduced.

Mum, 34, went out for lunch with baby daughter hours before jumping off A50 bridge  

Toni Donelly from Greyhound Adoptions WA said the muzzles stop the breed from being adopted.

Greyhounds must wear a muzzle, even if they have never raced before.

She said: "Some people don't like friends and neighbours seeing them with the muzzled dog. It can be an impediment."  

The state has until August 4 to give feedback on the new laws, which may potentially pass in parliament later in the year.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.