Cat owners in Nairobi County will soon need to pay a Ksh200 license fee to legally possess their pets, according to a proposed county law.
Under the Animal Control Welfare Draft Bill, keeping a cat without a license issued by the County Government will be prohibited. Applicants must demonstrate they have suitable premises to house 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,” the Bill states.
The legislation outlines that the Ksh.200 cat license fee is subject to revision as per the Finance Act, payable upon issuance or renewal. Renewals are contingent upon reporting the loss of an original license to the County Veterinary Head or surrendering a license issued elsewhere.
The Bill includes provisions for free renewal if a cat is medically neutered within twelve months of the original license. Cats over three months old must be vaccinated annually against rabies, with owners required to retain vaccination certificates.
Among the more curious stipulations, the Bill forbids cats from causing noise disturbances and mandates that female cats in heat be confined to prevent contact with other cats not owned by the licensee.
Additionally, transferring ownership of a licensed cat will incur a Ksh100 fee, issued by the County Veterinary Services Head.