Wellington Shire Council is reviewing its Cat Curfew rules and is seeking community feedback.

There are two options Council are considering:

1. Status Quo, meaning no additional cat containment restrictions
2. Introducing a 24-hour curfew, meaning cats must be always confined to their properties

Please cast your vote here.

Background

Currently the Domestic Animals Act 1994 requires all dogs to be confined to their owner’s property unless under effective control, however it is up to individual councils to determine confinement rules for cats.

In Council’s Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-2025 (DAM Plan), Council had resolved to conduct a review of cat curfew rules, with a view to considering the introduction of a cat curfew. The review was supported by 70% of respondents to an on-line survey which was conducted as part of the DAM Plan community consultation process.

Over the past 12 months, 393 cats and kittens have delivered to Council’s animal shelter and 280 reports of nuisance or wandering cats were received and actioned by Council.

While cats are very popular pets, roaming cats are a serious concern. Wandering cats can and do:

• Kill native wildlife (even well-fed cats will hunt).
• Get hit by vehicles.
• Become injured in fights.
• Annoy neighbours by spraying, fighting, yowling, and digging in gardens.
• Become lost/impounded.

The picture below shows a cat’s movement as GPS tracked over a single day.

What is troubling is the number of times the cat crossed a road, strayed onto neighbouring properties, and visited areas where wildlife would normally be found, all within a single day!

It is a well-established fact that cats that are contained to their residential home, have a higher life expectancy that those permitted to wander. They are protected from disease, car accidents, fighting with other cats and getting lost.

Council is committed to the protection of all animals and the amenity of the shire. With this in mind, we want to hear what the community thinks about introducing a curfew for cats.

There are two options Council are considering:

1. Status Quo, meaning no additional cat containment restrictions
2. Introducing a 24-hour curfew, meaning cats must be always confined to their properties.

If either option is adopted, cat owners will be given time and support via educational material to transition to the new restrictions.

Your views will help council decide which option to adopt. Please take a few minutes to complete the on-line survey.

What happens next?

Once you have registered and provided your feedback using the tools provided, we will collate, review and analyse the feedback received. Council will take all submissions into consideration.

Local vet Terri Allen answers common cat curfew frequently asked questions

Learn about the three types of cats that can be found in Wellington

Our top tips for keeping your cat happy, healthy and out of danger