Available from: http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,,25454161-2761,00.html

EXCLUSIVE: CAT owners in WA will be forced to sterilise and microchip their cats under new legislation.

Premier Colin Barnett confirmed yesterday he had instructed Liberal MP Joe Francis, a life member of the RSPCA, to begin drafting new cat laws.

Mr Barnett said the move followed a visit to the Shenton Park Cat Haven last year.

Mr Francis said yesterday the forced sterilisation and microchipping of the animals would be key components of a Bill expected to be introduced into parliament before the end of the year.

He could no longer tolerate a situation where thousands of domestic cats were euthanased each year, he said.

Mr Francis said the mandatory de-sexing and micro-chipping of cats was necessary to cut the numbers of unwanted cats.

``What's happening now is genocide,'' Mr Francis said.

``It is the senseless slaughter of cats that could be prevented.

``Walk into the Cat Haven one day and walk into the room where they are being put down.

``You will walk out in tears after hearing the screams of those little kittens.

``Kittens should not be a disposable item.

``They shouldn't be put to sleep because they were an unwanted Christmas present.''

RSPCA spokesman Richard Barry yesterday applauded the move.

``We are over the moon with this,'' Mr Barry said.

``In WA there are about 10,000 cats and kittens euthanased each year.

``Ninety-five per cent of cats are de-sexed by responsible owners.

``It's those other 5 per cent of irresponsible owners who are the problem. Cats can reproduce every three to four months and can have up to four and eight kittens.

``This is great news for animal welfare and potentially for the rest of Australia, who will no doubt tune in to see how WA handles this complex issue.''