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)

653 Signatures

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653 Signatures

Collection finished

Launched December 2025
Collection finished
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Petition 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 so much for your support, MyVets Irrawang and Thornton, Raymond Terrace NSW

Question to the initiator