A community consultation group worked with Roxby Downs Council last year to develop the new dog and cat management laws.

The State Government Legislative Review ratified them and they came into operation last year.

The environment forum, community board, council administrator, and the dog and cat management board all endorsed the laws.

They mean cats and dogs will be treated the same, and cats now have to be registered, de-sexed, and micro-chipped.

Council works manager Peter Keller said, “The by-laws restrict movement of cats, stopping them from creating a nuisance, and because of the environment we’re in, it’s important to do this because stray cats could cause a lot of damage to local fauna.”

“By de-sexing males they don’t go out fighting and pick up diseases from different places.”

Mr Keller said community feedback had been positive and supportive towards the by-laws.

Local veterinarian Dr Andrew Melville-Smith is a clear advocate for the new laws.

“I think it is excellent that the council took on board the community’s recommendations and passed the laws that put cats on a par with dogs,” he said.

“The laws in Roxby Downs are now amongst the best in South Australia.”

He said compulsory cat de-sexing would lower feral cat populations and compulsory micro-chipping means trapped cats not micro-chipped were likely strays and could be destroyed.

Many residents have installed secure enclosures for cats to exercise in.

“Confinement of cats has lead to a noticeable drop in cat injuries, particularly cat fight and motor vehicle injuries.”

He said resident acceptance had surprised him and it is “almost as thought they have been there forever”.

For more information about the laws www.visit roxbydowns.com.