Who has released the Discussion Paper?
The Tasmanian Government released the Discussion Paper.
What is the purpose of the Discussion Paper?
This discussion paper presents options to build on the current Tasmanian Cat Management Plan (2017-2022).
This discussion paper asks for your ideas and feedback. We will review what you tell us and use it to help shape the new Tasmanian Cat Management Plan.
The new Plan will provide a revised framework for cat management in Tasmania for the next five years.
What is the Discussion Paper about?
This discussion paper outlines opportunities to build on the achievements and outcomes of the first Tasmanian Cat Management Plan, while also addressing remaining gaps.
The discussion is organised into three sections: domestic, stray, and feral cats.
Each section has dedicated subsections that discuss specific challenges and management options.
How do I provide feedback on the Discussion Paper?
You can make a submission responding to all or some of the questions in the Discussion Paper. You can do this as an individual or on behalf of an organisation.
Our preference is to receive submissions online using our feedback form. There are 2 types of form available. Go to nre.tas.gov.au/cat-management webpage to learn more.
You can also send your submission to:Email: catmanagement@nre.tas.gov.au
Post: Biosecurity Tasmania
Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
GPO Box 44
Hobart TAS 7001
Attn: Cat Management Discussion Paper
When does consultation close?
The public consultation period will be open for 10 weeks to have your say.
We must receive your submission by 5:00 pm on Friday 15 May 2026.
Can I provide feedback without reading the Discussion Paper?
Yes, you can provide feedback without reading the Discussion Paper. It is recommended that you read the discussion paper as it will help you understand the issues and make your feedback more informed.
The paper is provided below in various formats.
PDF
Cat Management in Tasmania - Discussion Paper PDF
Microsoft Word
Cat Management in Tasmania - Discussion Paper Word
Easy Read
Easy Read Cat Management in Tasmania - Discussion Paper Word
Easy Read Cat Management in Tasmania - Discussion Paper PDF
If you would like us to provide the Discussion Paper to you in a different way please contact us:
Email: catmanagement@nre.tas.gov.au
Phone: (03) 6165 3777
Can I provide a submission only on parts of the Discussion Paper?
Yes. There are 21 discussion questions that relate to the sections in the paper. The questions are throughout the paper and also listed in an appendix at the end.
You can respond to all the questions or just the ones that matter most to you.
Can I provide a submission on behalf of an organisation or business?
Yes, if you are authorised to represent an organisation or business.
If you are making a submission on behalf of an organisation, we assume you have the authority to do so.
Will my submission be published?
Yes. We will publish your submission and name unless you ask us to keep part or all of it confidential.
We never publish personal details like your phone number, email, or address.
If you don't clearly state that your submission (or parts of it) is confidential, we will treat it as public information.
What happens with my feedback?
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE Tas) will collect, analyse, and interpret all submissions. Then we compile the findings into a consultation report, which we will publish on the nre.tas.gov.au/cat-management webpage.
This information will guide the development of the new Tasmanian Cat Management Plan that will reflect community and stakeholder views.
Where do I find the Discussion Paper and the online response form?
Go to the nre.tas.gov.au/cat-management webpage to read the Discussion Paper and learn how to have your say.
How can I give feedback if reading or writing is hard for me?
You have several options:
- Ask someone you trust for help: A friend or family member can help you understand the Discussion Paper and you can ask them to submit a response on your behalf.
- Use dictation tools:
- Most phones and computers have built-in dictation features that turn your spoken words into text.
- In Microsoft Word, use the Dictate button (microphone icon) to speak and convert your words into text to form your submission.
- Use text-to-speech tools:
- Read Aloud in Word can read the Discussion Paper to you.
- Immersive Reader in the online feedback form can read the form aloud. To enable it, click the three dots in the top-right corner of the page and select Enable Immersive Reader.
Need help? Contact us: If
you’d like to discuss other options for submitting a response or request a
paper copy of the Discussion Paper, please email us at catmanagement@nre.tas.gov.au
Is language support available?
Yes. If English is not your first language, you have options:
Use translation tools: The
Translate feature in Microsoft Word can translate the Discussion Paper
into your preferred language. Learn how to use Microsoft Translate in Word
- Call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) if you need to contact us directly.
- Phone 131 450 and tell them your language.
- Then tell the interpreter your name and that you're calling the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania on 1300 368 550.
Who can I contact for further information?
We're here to help. Contact us by phone or email:
Phone: (03) 6165 3777
Email: catmanagement@nre.tas.gov.au
Discussion Questions for Your Feedback
The Discussion Paper includes the following questions for your feedback:
Domestic cats
1. What do you consider are the advantages and/or disadvantages of compulsory registration of cats compared to microchipping?
2. Do you think cat owners should be required to register their cat, like dog registration? Yes or No. If you answered “No," skip to Question 5.
3. If yes, should there be a fee/levy charged for registration of a cat? Yes or No. If you answered “No," skip to Question 5.
4. If yes, what should the fee be used for? (For example: registering cats, research into cat welfare, the costs of managing cats)
5. What could help ensure that people who breed and sell cats are doing so lawfully?
6. Do you think a seller should be required to state that the cat meets the legal requirements of sale in advertisements?
7. What role, if any, should cat owners play in reducing impacts on wildlife, neighbours, and the broader community?
8. What practical challenges would households face if stronger cat management measures were considered in the future?
9. Are there alternative approaches that could achieve responsible cat ownership outcomes without requiring containment?
10. If additional cat management approaches were ever introduced, what monitoring or compliance methods would be workable and fair?
11. Under what circumstances, if any, would stronger cat management measures be considered reasonable?
Stray cats
12. Do you think feeding of stray cats should be prohibited? Yes or No
13. What do you consider are the main challenges or barriers to a prohibition on feeding stray cats?
14. What are some solutions to these challenges or barriers?
15. How do you think colony cats should be managed?
Feral cats
16. How can rural landowners/managers be supported to better manage feral cats in areas with important conservation values and agricultural assets?
17. Should the distance from the nearest residence for humane euthanasia of cats on private property be reduced to less than 1 km? Yes or No. If you answered “No," skip to Question 19.
18. If yes, what is an appropriate distance?
Other
19. What types of education, incentives, or support programs would encourage responsible cat ownership?
20. Should cat management approaches differ between urban, peri-urban, and rural areas? If so, how?
21. Are there any other matters which you would like to raise in relation to improving cat management in Tasmania?