Alexandrina Council to introduce 24/7 cat confinement laws

Some domestic cats would be forced to live inside at all times under strict new animal rules from an SA council.

Some domestic cats could be forced to live inside at all times under strict new animal bylaws set to be introduced by Alexandrina Council.

A draft bylaw, which would require cats to be confined to properties 24/7, was backed by councillors at a meeting this month.

Pending public consultation, the changes would start January 1, 2024, and apply to cats younger than six years of age as of January 2023.

Cat ownership would also be limited to two animals per household. It means pet owners without backyards – such as those living in units – would have to keep their cats inside at all times.

It follows similar bylaws already introduced in the Yankalilla, Mount Barker and the Adelaide Hills councils.

Alexandrina is yet to release details of penalties for breaching the bylaw, but in Mount Barker the fine is $112.

In a report tabled to Alexandrina Council, community safety co-ordinator Glen Ryan said the bylaw would help control “nuisance” cat behaviour and protect wildlife.

Still image of CCTV footage of a nuisance cat spraying urine on an outdoor lounge. Picture: Mount Barker District Council

It would cost the council about $4500 to introduce the bylaw – money which could be recovered through a new cat registration fee.

“The only service currently provided by council in relation to cat management is the hiring of

cat traps to the community,” Mr Ryan said.

“By addressing nuisance behaviour through this bylaw, (council staff) will have the ability to address a number of cat management issues that impact the community and native wildlife.”

He said the council planned to have a 12-month “grace” period for any new fees to give people time to get used to the changes.

Adelaide Hills Council has responded to 80 complaints about wandering cats since its bylaw started on January 1 this year.

It collected 24 cats and passed them on to animal welfare groups.

Mount Barker Council has dealt with almost 400 feline-related complaints since it introduced a cat curfew in July 2020.

As of March this year, it had fined 11 people a total of $1232.

The council’s manager for health and public safety, Jamie Tann, said fines should serve as a warning to other cat owners flouting the law.

“The ones (we have issues with) are those that let their cats outside and don’t consider the impact the cats have on native wildlife and spraying on other people’s properties,” he said.

“So a message we try to convey is that the safest place for your pet, be it a cat or a dog, is at home.”