A local resident has been granted retrospective approval to keep four cats on their property despite a Shire of Northam law stating residents can not have three or more cats on any premises without a valid permit.
Northam Shire councillors voted 7-3 on May 17 to grant approval, pursuant to a list of conditions.
As part of the application process shire staff sought consultation by sending out 17 notification letters to nearby residents and received two responses.
Both respondents cited the environment and bird life as reasons for opposing the application.
The shire noted there were already 30 registered cats in the surrounding area.
In a report to councillors it was noted that both respondents were unable to demonstrate how the current cat population was causing a problem to the existing environment and bird life.
All four cats at the residence on Goomalling Road are registered, sterilised and microchipped.
#What do you think of this decision? Email your thoughts to carla.hildebrandt@fairfaxmedia.com.au
