Cat curfew to be enforced in Monash from 2020

CAT owners in parts of Melbourne’s east will be forced to lock their moggies up at night under tough new laws set to be enforced by the council – and the move has split opinion.

Michele Phillips with a Rainbow Lorikeet that was attacked by a cat in South Oakleigh. Picture: Andy Brownbill

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CAT owners will be forced to lock their moggies up at night from 2020 under tough new laws being enforced by Monash Council.

The late-night curfew will be introduced to protect native wildlife on the back of consultation.

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South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter manager Michele Phillips, who rescues more than 2500 animals a year attacked by cats, said she was pleased with the council’s decision.

“I’ve been battling for more than 10 years for council to enforce this,” she said.

“Far too many cats are being run over or injured as a result of fights so this will law will prevent this from happening.”

Ms Phillips said she believed cats should be locked up permanently with a 24-hour cat curfew.

“For less than $200, pet owners could install barriers along their fences to ensure cats could not escape,” she said.

Cr Josh Fergeus said it was a win for the community, demonstrating an evidence-based policy which protected native wildlife.

RSPCA chief executive Dr Liz Walker said the organisation encouraged owners to confine their cats within their property.

However, Cr Shane McCluskey said the move was outrageous.

“We should stick with what’s established and educate residents without giving them another imposition on a law which is extremely difficult to enforce,” Cr McCluskey said.

Mayor Rebecca Paterson said the community was asked about reducing cat nuisance by delivering an education program outlining the benefits of keeping cats indoors at night.

“There were 72 respondents … 46 saying they’d like to see the council go further than education and implement a cat curfew,” she said.