Fix NSW Cat Laws — Stop Releasing Stray Cats Back to the Street

Petition is addressed to

Minister For Local Government, Hon. Ron Hoenig MP, Jenny Aitchison MP (Member for Maitland), Kate Washington MP (Member for Port Stephens)

324 Signatures

65 %

500 for collection target

324 Signatures

65 %

500 for collection target

Launched 12/12/2025
Time remaining > 3 months
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Petition is addressed to: Minister For Local Government, Hon. Ron Hoenig MP, Jenny Aitchison MP (Member for Maitland), Kate Washington MP (Member for Port Stephens)

We call on the NSW Government to change the law and:

· Recognise stray cats as distinct from feral or owned cats

· Allow and support councils to hold, assess, desex, and rehome unowned cats

· Provide clear guidelines for humane, evidence-based cat management

· Stop the automatic release of cats back onto the street

Reason

In NSW, councils are interpreting current legislation to mean there is “no such thing as a stray cat.” As a result, unowned and often undesexed cats brought intopounds, vet clinics, or rescue services are being released straight back onto the streets.

This practice increases feral cat populations, contributes to wildlife predation, and leaves vulnerable animals without care or a chance at rehoming. It also confuses the public and forces vets and rescues into impossible ethical positions.

Thank you for your support, MyVets Irrawang and Thornton, Raymond Terrace NSW

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Petition details

Petition started: 12/11/2025
Collection ends: 06/11/2026
Region: Newcastle-Maitland
Topic: Animal rights

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Why people sign

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Comment by Danielle Merrick

Mount Hutton, 3 hours ago

Treat every living thing with love

Comment by Susan Eschebach

Lambton, 4 hours ago

I love cats and am a cat owner. However, the amount of stray cats are increasing in my area and causing problems. In addition, I support laws that ask for cats to be in indoors from dusk to dawn as this is where they cause the most damage to local wildlife. Dogs must be leashed when outdoors, I believe we need to have laws that will protect wildlife from our pet cats.

Comment by Elaine Maskell

Belmont, 5 hours ago

I care about cats and don't want stray cats returned to the streets.

Comment by Rachael Gardiner

Hilldale, 7 hours ago

Too many cats roaming the streets, living terrible lives, starving & diseases which is no fault of the cat. Something needs to change regards to breeding numbers.

Comment by Kathryn Nolan

Emu Plains, 7 hours ago

As a future vet and animal lover, I want the best for both the cats and our local wildlife and that can only be done through not having wild cats outside and if kittens can be taken off the streets that is only a good thing

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Fix NSW Cat Laws — Stop Releasing Stray Cats Back to the Street

324 Signatures