Melbourne council introduces 24-hour cat curfew

A Melbourne council will impose tough new rules on cat owners to stop wandering and feral animals and is threatening hefty fines.

A cat fight is brewing in Melbourne, with one council forcing owners to keep their cats at home 24 hours a day.

The controversial move from Knox City Council, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, will come into force on October 1 and will make it illegal for owners to allow cats to leave their property during all hours of the day and night.

The 24-hour curfew will require owners to confine their feline to their house, shed, or garage, with cat-proof fencing recommended for owners wanting to keep their cat in their yard.

Cats will be banned from trespassing on other people’s property, with wandering cats to be picked up by rangers. Failure to comply with the curfew could result in fines or court action.

Cat owners in part of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs will be forced to keep their cats on their property 24 hours a day.

The council endorsed the curfew this week as part of its Domestic Animal Management Plan to address the issue of feral and nuisance cats.

“This order aims to prevent cats wandering at night and nuisances such as spraying and fighting, and to protect native wildlife,” council papers read.

“Community consultation in developing this plan found that 85% of survey respondents supported the introduction of a cat curfew.”

The order follows a trial from the council last year, which saw cats placed under a sunset to sunrise curfew.

Cat owners who fail to comply with the order can be issued with fines.

The council said the trial was supported by almost 90 per cent of respondents, more than half of which were cat owners.

Knox City Council Mayor Lisa Cooper said the new curfew was designed to protect both cats and local wildlife.

“Much like the rules for dogs and other pets, cats won’t be allowed to roam freely from their owners’ property,” she said.

“When allowed to roam, cats are at a much higher risk of illness and injury.

Knox Council offices, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Picture: Andrew Batsch

“Keeping cats within their owners’ property also protects wildlife and prevents them causing nuisance for neighbours and their pets.”

There are more than 6,500 cats registered in the Knox Council area.

Council can issue a $91 fine for a first-time offence and fines of up to $545 for continuous breaches.