TOO MANY CATS? WOMAN TOLD TO GIVE UP RESCUE PETS OVER COUNCIL CAT LIMIT
Ask any cat lover and they will tell you one more never hurts, but one Queensland woman has learned the hard way that a council cat limit can.
Animal welfare campaigner Lisa Roberts-Daintree has been told she must reduce her five rescue cats to the number allowed by her local council.
Her story, reported by ABC News on November 10, has struck a chord with pet owners across the country.
The cat limit that sparked heartache
Lisa lives on Russell Island, which falls within Redland City Council in south-east Queensland.
She is a spokesperson for Cats Assistance to Sterilise, a charity that desexes cats to help control feral populations.
After a neighbour complained, the council sent her a compliance notice.
An inspection found no other concerns about the cats' welfare, hygiene or containment, the ABC reported.
All five cats are desexed, and a net stops them escaping the property.
Under Redland's local laws, households can keep up to two cats over three months old without approval.
Residents can apply to keep a third, but not more.
Lisa has until November 23 to comply, and if she does not, the council could issue a fine and seize the cats.
She told the ABC the cats were rescued from a traumatic home and have medical and social issues.
She fears they would likely be put down if impounded, and said choosing between them felt like being asked which of your children to save.
The council told the ABC it could not comment on an active investigation.
In a letter to Lisa, it said the limits on animal numbers were there to protect animal welfare.
Why councils set limits
Pet number limits are usually set by local councils, not state governments, which is why they can vary so much from one suburb to the next.
Councils generally say the rules help manage noise, smells and neighbour disputes, and stop animals being kept in crowded or unhealthy conditions.
Some councils allow more pets on bigger blocks or with a permit, while others are much stricter.
Cat containment rules also differ, with some areas requiring cats to be kept on your property all day, and others only at night.
How to check the cat limit where you live
The easiest way to find out is to search your council's website for "keeping animals" or "pet limits".
Most councils publish clear guides on how many cats and dogs you can keep, plus any permit rules.
Redland City Council's pet page, for example, explains its limits, registration and how to apply for a third animal on compassionate grounds.
If you are already over the limit, contact your council early and ask about permits rather than waiting for a complaint.
If you are renting, check your lease too, as landlords may have their own conditions.
Before you adopt another cat
It is so tempting to say yes to that adorable kitten in the rescue shelter or on a friend's social media post.
But it pays to do a little homework first.
Check your council rules and whether you need registration or a permit.
Make sure every cat is microchipped and desexed, which is often required anyway and can reduce registration fees in many areas.
Think about space, too, as cats need their own food bowls, litter trays and quiet places to retreat.
A general rule of thumb many vets suggest is one litter tray per cat, plus one extra.
Budget for vet bills, food and insurance for every pet, not just the first.
If you have older or unwell cats, ask your vet whether a newcomer might cause stress.
Keeping the peace with neighbours
Many council complaints start with a small problem that snowballs.
Keeping cats safely contained, using an enclosure or cat netting, protects wildlife and keeps them away from busy roads.
A friendly chat with neighbours, and acting quickly on any concerns, can save a lot of heartache.
For cat lovers like Lisa, the hope is that rules and compassion can find a way to meet in the middle.
