New bylaw encourages responsible cat ownership

The Keeping of Animals Bylaw 2025 has been adopted, setting clear rules to ensure animals are managed responsibly and addressing community concerns.

One of the biggest changes is the introduction of new rules for cats. Under the new bylaw, cats over four months of age must be microchipped and desexed. These measures will help reduce stray and feral cat populations, make it easier to reunite lost cats with their owners, protect native wildlife, and support healthier pets.

This change was strongly supported during consultation, when many residents raised concerns about the impact of stray and unmanaged cats. The bylaw aims to encourage responsible pet ownership and reduce the burden of unwanted animals on local communities.

The SPCA runs desexing and microchipping programmes in Northland to support responsible animal ownership at zero cost. For more information, owners can visit the SPCA website.

The bylaw also has rules for other animals:

• Animals like chickens, pigs, bees and horses must be managed in a way that prevents nuisances, protects public health, and avoids property damage.

• Roosters are not permitted in residential or commercial areas.

The keeping of Dogs is covered separately under the council’s Dog Management Policy and Dog Management Bylaw 2018. Residents are encouraged to have their say on animal management issues by completing the online survey, which closes next Sunday 14 September.

The Keeping of Animals Bylaw 2025 took effect on 28 August 2025. You can read it in full on the council’s website here.