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)

69 Signatures

14 %

500 for collection target

69 Signatures

14 %

500 for collection target

Launched 12/12/2025
Time remaining > 5 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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Comment by Kylie Taylor

Tenambit, 58 minutes ago

Stray cat breed and breed. Killing the Australian wildlife.

Comment by Julie Hawkin

Fennell Bay, 11 hours ago

It's animal neglect, they are not cared for on the street and create so much damage to the native wildlife. Undesexed animals released on the streets is not very smart!

Comment by Kylie Scotman

Tenambit, 1 day ago

Feral cat control, impact on native wildlife, more chance of cats being reunited with owners, chance to microchip and rehome strays.

Comment by Not public

Orange, 2 days ago

Because stray cat numbers need to be reduced and controlled. This will help protect native fauna. Also a more humane method of controlling the cats.

Comment by Sharlene Carr

Mitchells Island, 3 days ago

I think it’s ridiculous to release cats back out into the environment. Like dogs they should be microchipped and released to owners. Also there is a huge risk with releasing into environment that they will become feral and destroy wildlife. This is already a huge problem with cats.

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

69 Signatures