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Under the Animal Welfare Act 1992, animal trapping permits are required for commercial trapping operations and for private or domestic use.
Commercial trapping operations may include a business who specialises in trapping and removal of pest animals on private premises and public land.
Private use may include a resident seeking to trap unowned or feral cats on their own private property.
It is an offence under the Act to set a trap to catch an animal unless you are:
the holder of a valid trapping permit issued by the ACT Animal Welfare Authority; or
the holder of a nature conservation licence that authorises you to set a trap.
Can I trap a domestic animal on private property?
No. It is against the law to set a trap to catch a domestic animal. However, if a cat is believed to be unowned or feral, a resident does not need a trapping permit to trap on their own private property.
Can I trap a domestic animal on public land?
No. Private residents are not permitted to trap on public land.
A business which specialises in trapping and removal can trap animals on public and/or private land if their trapping permit is not subject to any conditions.
You must apply for an animal trapping permit, pay the fee and receive an approved application response before undertaking any trapping.
A trapping permit is granted for no longer than three years and can be subject to conditions. These conditions may include the:
species of animals to be trapped
areas in which traps are to be set
traps and other trapping equipment to be used
welfare of any animals that may be affected by the proposed trapping activities.
Trapping permit-holders must also follow relevant ACT Codes of Practice, such as the mandatory Welfare of Native Wildlife Code of Practice.
Once an application for an animal trapping permit has been lodged, the application will be reviewed by Domestic Animal Services. Additional information may be requested to complete the application process. This could include an inspection to determine the experience and competency of the applicant in the care and handling of animals.
Please note that it is an offence for a person to set a steel-jawed trap, soft-jaw trap, glue trap, metal-toothed rodent trap, or any other type of prohibited trap for an animal within the ACT.
