Nairobi cat owners to pay Ksh.200 in new law that also confines 'female cats on heat'

As inscribed in the Animal Control Welfare Draft Bill, all persons have been prohibited from keeping or having a cat without any license which will only be issued by the County Government.

The license will be issued or renewed through an application as all persons will be required to provide proof that they have "premises fit to control the cat".

All licenses, unless cancelled, shall expire on the 31st of December and renewal shall cost Ksh.100 in line with the current county Finance Act.

"A cat license fee shall be shillings two hundred (Ksh.200) and shall subject to revision in the current Finance Act and shall become due upon the issue or renewal of a license," reads part of the Bill.

A renewal shall only be valid when notification of losing an original license has been written to the Head of County Veterinary or the license has been issued in another jurisdiction and the license and receipt have been surrendered to the County Government.

The Bill adds that a renewal license may be issued for free if there is medical proof that the cat has been neutered twelve months after issuance of the original license.

"Every cat in the City aged over three months shall be vaccinated against rabies by a veterinary surgeon at least once a year and a vaccination certificate issued by the veterinary surgeon which shall be retained by the owner at all times," adds another part of the Bill.

There are however amusing requirements in the Bill which "shall not allow, permit or cause a cat to scream or otherwise cry in a manner that disturbs the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of a person in the neighborhood" it is hosted.

Further, persons who own a "female cat on heat" must confine it "so that it cannot come in contact with other cats, except those belonging to that owner."

Change in ownership of a licensed cat will also require the payment of a transfer fee of Ksh.100 issued by the Head of County Veterinary Services.