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From 1 July, 2009, cats aged 12 weeks or more must be registered with Moreton Bay Regional Council.
In line with its strong commitment to responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, Moreton Bay Regional Council is proud to be the first local government in the State to provide cat owners with free registration for 2009/10.
Frequently asked questions
- Why do I need to register my cat?
The Queensland Government has brought in laws making registration of cats in South-East-Queensland compulsory from 1 July, 2009.
Compulsory registration of cats aims to:
- Make it easier for lost cats to be reunited with their owners.
- Reduce the numbers of unwanted cats at animal shelters.
- Reduce the negative impact of cats on the environment and native fauna.
View a copy of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 
[PDF]
- How do I register my cat?
Ask at a Council Customer Service Centre or download an Animal registration form [PDF 120KB] and submit it to council by mail.
- How much are the registration fees?
It is FREE to register your cat with Moreton Bay Regional Council for the 2009/2010 year.
- When is registration due?
After initial registration, cat registration will need to be renewed by September 30 each year. Renewal notices will be sent to all registered cat owners on or around the end of August.
- How will my cat be identified as registered?
A tag will be provided to registered cats. The white plastic tag with black writing will have a registration number stamped on it. The tag will not show owner details. The registration number can be used by council officers to determine a cat owner’s details, should the cat be lost.
If you have your cat microchipped, the cat’s microchip details can be noted on council’s registration records. All cats impounded at council’s animal shelters are scanned for microchips in an effort to identify their owners.
- What happens if my cat had a microchip before registration was compulsory?
Council’s animal shelter scanners will read most standard microchips. If your cat is already microchipped and you supply the details to council when you register your pet, your cat’s microchip number will be linked to registration details that can be accessed by council run facilities.
- What happens if my cat loses its tag?
If your cat is microchipped and the details are supplied to council, council can access that information should the untagged cat be impounded at one of council’s animal shelters. Cat owners may request a replacement tag from council free of cost should their cat lose its tag.
- Do I need to microchip my cat?
Implanting a microchip in your cat is compulsory if:
- Your cat is younger than 12 weeks from 1 July, 2009.
- The ownership of the cat changes after 1 July, 2009.
If your cat is 12 weeks or older on 1 July 2009, you will need to register your cat with council, but you will NOT need to get it implanted with a microchip unless you decide to give it away or sell it. Owners are encouraged to microchip their cats regardless of age, for ease of identification.
- Do I need to desex my cat?
Desexing cats is not compulsory. However, owners are also encouraged to have their pets desexed.
- How many cats may I keep?
Up to two cats per household. If you are on a rural residential block in Caboolture District only, you may keep up to four cats. Households with more cats must have council permits for the additional cats.
- Are there any other laws about cat ownership I need to follow?
Under council’s local laws, cat owners are required to keep their animals confined to their property at all times.
- If my cat is impounded at one of council's animal shelters, how do I get it back?
Contact Council on telephone 3205 0555. The first impounding of a registered cat - free release. Second and subsequent impounding - $150 release plus boarding. Impounding of an unregistered cat - $150 release plus registration fee plus boarding.
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