It’s funny how information is presented to the public.
I’d assume reading this notification today (1st November – and the first day of the WA Cat Act) that it meant that the RSPCA WA was stepping away from cat impoundment – leaving it up to local councils. You know, because they’re in the animal welfare business, not the cat impoundment business. Councils will be the ones enforcing the new Act.
And as the RSPCA WA was probably the Cat Act’s greatest supporter (next to the Cat Haven), surely it would be a conflict of interest should they be set to benefit financially from the new laws. So, yes – this notification puts all our minds at rest. The RSPCA WA aren’t handling strays.
The RSPCA WA was a ‘Round #1’ successful applicant in the State Government ‘Cat Act Implementation Grant Program’, under the category ‘Cat Management Facilities’.
What was this application for?
From the City of Wanneroo Council Minutes (05 November, 2013)
The RSPCA has received State Government grant funding for the construction of a state of the art Cat Management Facility at the RSPCA’s Malaga facility which will hold up to 66 impounded cats. The facility will be divided into a number of separate rooms with individual ventilation for the cat pens to prevent the spread of disease and reduce the level of stress for the animals.
The RSPCA expects its new facility to be completed in March 2014.
The RSPCA WA will be constructing a new building on its land next to the current cattery, using these tax payer funds.
The costs of the new building are below:
Wanneroo has confirmed they will impounding at Malaga, as has Joondalup. While Bayswater and Bassendean are also negotiating final details (and Belmont already impound dogs there, so are likely also in the mix)
A ‘monthly pen’ fee…
In order for the City to be guaranteed space at the RSPCA for impounded cats it was necessary to reserve a number of pens for the City’s dedicated use. The reservation fee is $500 per month, per pen.
… At 100% capacity (that is, a cat being housed in a reserved pen every day of the year) the rate is $23.44 per day per pen
(ref)
A desexing fee…
… if the impounded cat is not sterilised in which case the animal will be taken to the Cat Management Facility (CMF) to be sterilised, microchipped and registered. The cost for these will be passed on to the owner by the CMF.
(ref)
And these yearly charges…
(Ref)
Around $740,000 in a government capital grant
+
Pen rental – $500pm x 65 pens (x 12) = $390,000pa
Operating charges to councils = $320,000pa
+
Veterinary services to councils/reclaiming owners = $400-$600 per cat
+
Any adoption fees
+
Any euthanasia fees
Cat Laws are not free.
