Pussyfooting Around? Companion cat by-laws in Aotearoa New Zealand

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26686/pq.v21i2.9814

Keywords:

by-laws, cat legislation, cat management, cat predation, responsible cat ownership, cat welfare, conservation management, public consultation, public engagement, policy design

Abstract

Cats have a significant impact on Aotearoa New Zealand’s biodiversity. While national legislation can help reduce the impacts of feral and stray cats, managing companion cats is more complex due to bonds between cats and their owners. Local councils can use by-laws to regulate companion cats, although it can be difficult to gain widespread public acceptance. This research analysed public submissions from five New Zealand councils to gain deeper insight into community attitudes towards cat control by-laws and consider the potential role of national standards. The submissions indicated that the majority of submitters supported by-laws, although regional differences suggest the need for localised approaches.

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Author Biographies

Natalie Blackstock

Natalie Blackstock completed her Master of Planning degree at Lincoln University in 2024 and is currently a graduate planner at Auckland Council.

Dyanna Jolly, Lincoln University

Dyanna Jolly is a senior lecturer in the Department of Environmental Management at Lincoln University.

Jon Sullivan, Lincoln University

Jon Sullivan is a senior lecturer in the Department of Pest Management and Conservation at Lincoln University

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Published

2025-05-18

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 2 (2025): Policy Quarterly Special issue: Addressing Capability Challenges in Public Management

Section

Articles

License

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