A majority of locals say yes to Marion Council’s cat curfew proposal
Hundreds of people have responded to a council’s plan for a cat curfew — and even provide cages to catch wandering pets — with most supportive of the proposal.
- Marion Council wants to introduce a cat curfew
- Stricter cat controls could be on the way to Marion
- Gawler Council seeks powers to kill roaming cats
- GPS tracker shows just how far Adelaide cats roam at night
Marion’s push for a cat curfew has won majority support, according to the results of its community consultation.
Under the plan, owners would have to keep their pets on their own property between 9pm and 7am.
To help enforce this, Marion Council would supply cages so people could catch any cats wandering during the curfew.
Inspectors would be empowered to collect the trapped animals and then warn owners or hit them with a fine of $187.50.
If owners cannot be identified, cats could be impounded at the RSPCA.
During community consultation in May, residents were invited to provide feedback on the proposal online or in person.
More than 400 responded online with 74 per cent of people in favour of a curfew.
People said they were sick of cats urinating on their property and killing wildlife.
Some wanted the curfew to be either 24/7 or from sunset to dawn.
However, others said it was an “outrage” and would encourage cruelty towards cats.
They did not agree with the council providing cages and allowing people to trap cats — particularly because they might be someone’s pet.
The council will receive legal advice on the proposed by-law behind closed-doors on Tuesday night (August 27).
A council spokesman said it was normal for the council to receive such advice in private.
It will then publicly receive the report containing the community’s feedback.
