Who should apply for a Multiple Cat Permit?
The
Cat Management Act 2009 limits the number of cats a person is allowed to keep on an individual property to four (4) cats over the age of four (4) months. To see what exceptions apply to this rule, go the multiple cat permit webpage. If you determine that none of the other exceptions apply and you need to submit an application for a multiple cat permit, use the table on the multiple cat permit webpage to determine which category of multiple cat permit applies to you and follow the link to the application form.
What is the difference between the three (3) categories of multiple cat permit?
- Suited to a person who is keeping more than four cats over the age of four months that permanently (or more often than not) reside at the property identified in the application.
- Suited to a person who operates, owns, or is the founder of a shelter/rescue where more than four cats over the age of four months may be kept at any time, and from where cats can be adopted; or
- Suited to a person who is trading or rehoming cats, and who may keep more than four cats over the age of four months at any time.
- Suited to a person who is keeping cats as part of a foster program run by one or more shelters/rescues holding a Multiple Cat Permit - Organisation (or has correspondence from Biosecurity Tasmania advising an application for a multiple cat permit has been received), but who is not keeping any other cats over the age of four months permanently at the property; or
- Suited to a person who is keeping cats as part of a foster program run by one or more shelters/rescues holding a Multiple Cat Permit - Organisation (or has correspondence from Biosecurity Tasmania advising an application for a multiple cat permit has been received), and who is also keeping other cats over the age of four months permanently at the property that are not part of a foster program for a shelter/rescue e.g., keeping cats of their own.
How do I apply for a multiple cat permit?
There are three (3) categories of multiple cat permit granted by the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas), individual, foster and organisation. To determine which category applies, use the table on the multiple cat permit webpage and use the link to the relevant application form to apply for that category of multiple cat permit.
Will I need to find a new home for some of my cats if I had more than four (4) before this law was introduced?
No. If you have more than four (4) cats over the age of four (4) months, and none of the other exceptions apply to your circumstances, you will need to apply for a multiple cat permit. After submitting your application form, you will receive a letter confirming that you are deemed compliant with the Cat Management Act 2009 during the assessment period of your application. It is important that you can meet all the conditions of the permit or can demonstrate that you are working towards meeting all the conditions of the permit. To determine which conditions will apply to you, go to the multiple cat permit webpage, use the table to identify which multiple cat permit you will need and click on the link to take you to that webpage to read the conditions.
How many cats should I include in my permit application?
The permit application must reflect all cats living or being kept on the premises.
For example:
If you own six (6) cats, your application should be for all six cats.
If you are a foster carer for a
Cat Management Facility, and you also have five (5) of your own cats, your application should be for the five (5) cats you own. (People who foster cats as part of a foster care program run by a cat management facility are exempt from holding a multiple cat permit for those cats - this is not the same for a person fostering cats for a shelters or rescues. If you are not sure if you are fostering for a cat management facility have a look here for the list of approved cat management facilities.)
If you hold a
Cat Breeding Permit for one (1) cat, and you have an additional five (5) non-breeding cats, the multiple cat permit application should be for the five non-breeding cats. Add the name of the cat that is on the cat breeding permit and cat breeding permit number in the additonal information section of the application form.
- If you foster cats for a shelter, rescue or a person trading in cats (excluding a cat management facility) and you are keeping five (5) or more cats over the age of four (4) months (which could be just foster cats or a combination of foster cats and your own cats), the multiple cat permit application should be for the maximum number of cats you may foster plus all of your own cats.
Note: If you have cat under the age of four (4) months at the time of your application, and your intention is to keep the cat after it turns four (4) months of age, include it in your multiple cat permit application. This means you will not have to submit another application after the cat turns four (4) months of age.
I have had more than four (4) cats for years, why do I need to have a permit to have them now?
Allowing people to keep an unlimited number of cats at a property can result in animal welfare concerns for the cats, health issues for the owner, nuisance issues for neighbours, and potentially increase the number of cats roaming and contributing to the stray and/or feral population.
The
Cat Management Act 2009 limits the number of cats a person can keep on an individual property to four (4) cats over the age of four (4) months. This means, that whilst you may have had your cats for a number of years, if you wish to continue to keep more than five (5) or more cats over the age of four (4) months you will need to meet one of the other exceptions or apply for a
multiple cat permit.
Is there a limit to the number of cats that can be included in an application for a multiple cat permit?
No. However, the applicant needs to be able to demonstrate to the issuing authority that the health and welfare needs of the cats, and all the conditions of the multiple cat permit can be met before a permit will be granted. This assists with demonstrating that the person applying is a fit and proper person and that it is appropriate in the circumstance to grant the person a permit.
What evidence can I use to prove my cat is desexed?
Refer to the Multiple Cat Permit - Individual page for the types of evidence that can be provided as proof your cat is desexed.
I don’t have desexing documents for all or some of my cats. What should I do?
An application should still be submitted. Desexing documents can be provided later by emailing them to catmanagement@nre.tas.gov.au. If documents have not been received by the time your application is assessed, an authorised person will contact you.
What is the ‘notice' I am required to publish?
A person applying to the Secretary NRE Tas for a multiple cat permit is required to publish a public notice notifying of their intention to apply for a multiple cat permit. There are two ways an applicant can publish a public notice.
- By displaying the notice for 14 days at the main frontage of the property
- The notice will be supplied by The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) (see below for further information)
- By publishing the notice in a municipal newspaper that circulates in the municipal area the property on the application is situated.
- The template for the notice will be supplied by NRE Tasmania
- The applicant will be responsible for any costs incurred associated with the publication of the notice.
A person who resides on, or owns, land within 200m of the boundary of an applicant’s property, may submit an objection to a permit being issued. The notice for publication will be sent to an applicant with details of where and when it needs to be displayed after their application for a permit has been received.
During the 14-day publication period, the location details of the property will be placed on the NRE Tas webpage: Making an objection to an application for a multiple cat permit.
Further information on the publication of a notice can be found on the multiple cat permit page.
Why is there a requirement to display a public notice identifying an intention to apply for a multiple cat permit?
The Cat Management Act 2009 provides for any person residing on, or owning, land within 200m of the boundary of the property that a multiple cat permit application applies, to submit an objection to the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania or the General Manager of their municipal council (who the permit application was submitted). An objection must be made in writing within 14 days of the applicant publishing a notice of their intention to hold a multiple cat permit. Reasons for the objection must be clearly set out. My neighbour has applied for a multiple cat permit. Can I object?
A person who resides on, or owns land within 200m of the property boundary of a person applying for a multiple cat permit can object in writing to the application within 14 days of the applicant publishing the notice of their intention to hold a multiple cat permit. Applications to which the 14-day public notice period apply are listed on our webpage Objections to an Application for a Multiple Cat Permit. Objections can be submitted using the form located on that page.
I can’t meet all the conditions of the permit. What do I do?
An applicant should still submit an application even if they are currently unable to meet all the conditions of the permit, as time will be afforded to applicants to meet the conditions of the permit.
Will a rescue or shelter need a multiple cat permit?
Yes. Animal rescues and shelters that keep five (5) or more cats over the age of four (4) months will need to complete an application for a Multiple Cat Permit - Organisation.
If the cats are kept at different locations, the person is keeping five (5) or more cats over the age of four (4) months, and rehoming the cats will also need to apply and hold a Multiple Cat Permit - Organisation.
If the cats are being fostered out, the person is keeping five (5) or more cats over the age of four (4) months and returning the foster cats to the shelter/rescue for rehoming will need to apply and hold a Multiple Cat Permit - Foster.
Do foster carers have to apply for a multiple cat permit?
A person who is part of a foster program managed by a
Cat Management Facility or an approved organisation is exempt from the limit to the number of cats that are kept on their property, provided the cats are part of the foster program, and does not need to apply.
A person fostering cats that are part of a fostering program managed by a rescue/shelter (that is not a Cat Management Facility) that at any time, keeps five (5) or more cats over the age of four (4) months will need to apply for a Multiple Cat Permit - Foster. The five (5) or more cats can just be foster cats or a combination of owned cats (cats that permanently reside at the property) and foster cats.
Conditions of a multiple cat permit
All 3 categories of multiple cat permit will be subject to conditions that MUST be complied with.
Conditions of each category of multiple cat permit can be viewed at:
Permit holders should be aware that failure to comply with any conditions listed on the permit may result in the cancellation or non-renewal of the permit and possible fines being issued.
Can additional cats be placed on an existing multiple cat permit?
If you hold a valid
multiple cat permit and you have an addition to your cat family, you will need to submit a new application for a multiple cat permit. In the new application, include your existing multiple cat permit number in the 'Additional information' section.
A copy of proof of desexing and microchipping of the new cat will need to be provided by emailing catmanagement@nre.tas.gov.au or by attaching it to the application form.
Can a multiple cat permit be transferred to another person or property?
No. A
multiple cat permit is not transferable from person to person, or from property to property. Therefore, if a person transfers ownership of a cat on their permit to someone who already has four (4) cats over four (4) months of age, the
multiple cat permit is not transferable, and the new owner will need to apply for their own
multiple cat permit.
If a person moves to another property and wishes to retain their
multiple cat permit, a new application will need to be submitted and the existing permit that relates to the old address will need to be cancelled. In the new application, include the existing multiple cat permit number in the 'Additional information' section.
Who can grant an application for a multiple cat permit?
The Cat Management Act 2009 provides for a person to make an application for a
multiple cat permit to either the Secretary NRE Tas (Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania), or to the General Manager of their municipal council. Whichever position they submit the application to, is the position that can grant the multiple cat permit.
If I have had over four (4) cats for quite a while, will I be fined for not applying for a multiple cat permit before now?
No. However, you are advised to apply for a multiple cat permit as soon as possible. If you fail to make an application, and you are found to be keeping five (5) or more cats over the age of four (4) months, compliance action may be taken for failing to comply with the Cat Management Act 2009, which may include a fine.
I already have four (4) cats, but I want to get another one. Should I apply for a multiple cat permit before I get the 5th cat?
The Cat Management Act 2009 does not allow for a multiple cat permit to be given to a person who does not exceed the limit of four cats. You will need to wait until you have the 5th cat in your care, or at a minimum signed or have a purchase agreement for the cat, before you submit your application for a multiple cat permit.
What happens after an application for a multiple cat permit is submitted?
Once an applicant has submitted an application they will receive an email advising that their application was received and that they are considered compliant with the Cat Management Act 2009 whilst their application is being assessed.
Further correspondence will follow with information relating to the publication/display of a public notice identifying their intention to hold a
Multiple Cat Permit and request evidence of microchipping and desexing as requried.
If further details or a site visit is required to assist in the assessment of the application, an authorised person will contact the applicant. Once an application has been assessed, the applicant will be notified in writing of the outcome.
How will an application for a multiple cat permit be processed?
A multiple cat permit application will be processed in line wiht the requirements of the Cat Management Act 2009.
After submitting the application, the applicant will need to:
- Ensure all evidence of desexing and microchipping for all cat that they own (or that are kept permanently on the property) has been provided.
- Publish/display a notice of their intention to apply for a multiple cat permit.
- a person living or owning land within 200m can object to the permit being issued within 14 days after the notice is first displayed/published. All relevant objections will be taken into consideration when assessing the application.
- Have the support of the permit being granted by the relevant municipal council, which is obtained through the Departments consultation with them.
- The granting of a multiple cat permit must not be in contravention of any relevant municipal council by-law or other legislation.
- Provide additional information as requested to demonstrate ability to meet the conditions of the permit.
- Pass a site inspection as required.
As deemed appropriate, any other relevant stakeholder may be contacted to ensure the issuing of a multiple cat permit is appropriate under the circumstances.
How will a decision on an application be reached?
In reaching a decision as to whether to grant a
multiple cat permit, either the Secretary NRE Tas or the General Manager of the relevant municipal council will consider:
any relevant objections;
the site visit report (as required);
if the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a
multiple cat permit;
if it is appropriate in all circumstances to grant the application;
the welfare of the cats and the suitability of the living conditions;
the ability of the applicant to comply with the conditions of the permit;
the likelihood of the cats creating a nuisance;
an applicant's capacity to care for the specified number of cats.
Once a decision has been made, the applicant will be notified, in writing, of the outcome of their application.
How long will a multiple cat permit be valid for?
A
multiple cat permit may be valid for up to three (3) years. This will be determined by the Secretary Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania or the General Manager of the relevant
municipal council.
Can an application for a multiple cat permit be refused?
An application for a
multiple cat permit may be denied if it is the opinion that:
the requirements of the
Cat Management Act 2009 and/or
Cat Management Regulations 2022, and/or the
Public Health Act 1997 and/or Animal Welfare Act 1993 and/or relevant local government by-laws are not being complied with; or
the conditions of the permit are not being met; or
the applicant is not considered to be a fit and proper person to hold a multiple cat permit; or
the issuing of a permit will be in breach of a relevant municipal council by-law; or
the issuing of a permit will result in the person breaching their lease agreement with a government body; or
it is in the public interest that the permit is not issued or renewed.
If an application is refused, the applicant will be provided with a notice of the refusal and written reasons for the refusal.
Can a multiple cat permit be cancelled before its expiry date?
A permit may be cancelled at any time if the Secretary NRE Tas or the General Manager of the relevant
municipal council is satisfied that:
Notification in writing will be given in this instance, allowing the holder of the permit to make submissions as to why the permit should not be cancelled. All submissions, if any, will be considered.
Can my application be denied when it is due for renewal?
A renewal may be denied if:
the number of cats being kept on the property is more than permitted on the original permit; or
the holder of the permit fails to provide all the relevant information to renew the permit; or
new by-laws have been established since you last applied and issuing a multiple cat permit would be in breach of the new by-law; or
the conditions of the permit are not or cannot be met.
Review of decision
A person who is aggrieved by a decision of the Secretary NRE Tas or the General Manager of their
local council, under Part 3A of the Act may under Section 16D of the
Cat Management Act 2009 apply to the Magistrates Court (Administrative Appeals Division) for a review of that decision.