Cat Curfew Melbourne: Manningham Council introduces 24-hour, two-year trial

Another council in Melbourne’s east has introduced a 24-hour cat curfew, despite concerns from a councillor it would create a “financial impost” on owners.

Manningham Council has approved a two-year trial of a 24-hour cat curfew in efforts to further protect the area’s native wildlife. File picture.

Cat owners in another part of Melbourne’s east will have to keep their furry friends locked up at home as part of two-year cat curfew trial.

Manningham Council revised animal management plan restricts cats to homes and backyards.

The move is designed to protect cats from the risk of injury from other animals, people and cars, and reduce disputes between neighbours about wandering cats.

The council also wants to minimise the impact cats have on its natural environment and 56 threatened animal species based in Manningham.

Data collected by the council in the 2019-20 financial year found local laws officers received 154 complaints about stray cats or cat trespassing, and 18 cat cage requests.

Community consultation prior to the policy being adopted found 52 per cent of 344 respondents supported a 24-hour cat curfew.

Councillors Geoff Gough, Anna Chen and Carli Lange tried to alter the curfew to sunrise-to-sunset hours, but didn’t receive the backing of other councillors.

Cr Gough aired concerns about putting a “financial impost” on cat owners who might have to buy cages to keep them secure.

“It’s understandable you want cats safe in the evenings … but during the daytime, I haven’t heard of a cat attacking a baby or a kid or doing anything.

“I’ve heard of other animals causing messes all over this city … but not necessarily cats, if we’re trialling something, why not trial something that’s minimalist.”

Residents were generally supportive of the cat ban to protect other local wildlife in comments on Manningham Council’s Facebook page.

Sarah Floyed said: “24/7 is the only complete option for around the clock protection of our Indigenous wildlife, while Paola Torti wrote “Koalas are attacked by dogs and cats. Please take actions to protect them”.

Opinions on the cat curfew were mixed on Whitehorse Leader’s Facebook page.

Hilda Nash thought the ban was “too harsh”, but Robert New supported the policy and said the council “need to give the native birds and animals a chance”.

Mayor Michelle Kleinert said the broader animal management policy, including the trial cat curfew, “focuses on responsible pet ownership and will help to keep pets in our community happier and healthier”.

The council will collect data from the curfew before deciding on making any changes in the future.

Manningham joins councils including Knox and Yarra Ranges which have previously introduced a 24-hour cat curfew.