Shire seeks feedback on cat curfews

THE Surf Coast Shire is asking the community for feedback on cat curfews across the region.

As part of the shire’s implementation of the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2022-25, which aims to guide how people, dogs and cats can live together in safety and harmony, a new council survey will aim to attract feedback on current and proposed curfews and rules.

Rules in the shire require cats in urban areas to be securely confined to their owner’s premises between 8pm and 6am, however there is no rules or restrictions on cat activity in rural areas.

Current cat curfews are in response to community concerns about the negative environmental impact of cats on native animals, and the nuisance value of wandering animals for neighbouring households.

According to the Surf Coast Shire, there are currently 924 cats registered as domestic pets across the region, with 50 per cent of registrations for cats being in the Torquay ward.

Council said in 2021 they received a very low number of complaints about cats, 58 in total, however they do acknowledge that free-roaming cats can have a negative impact on the native wildlife and neighbouring pets.

“As well as helping prevent harm to wildlife, cat curfews improve the health and safety of cats,” Mayor Libby Stapleton said.

“A cat curfew can prevent injuries that can occur through fights with other cats, being run over by a vehicle, eating toxic plants or poisons, or from wandering onto neighbouring households where they could cause a nuisance.

During the 10-question survey, residents are asked about their cat ownership status, if they have experienced a cat nuisance issue in the last 12 months, and if they believe the current cat curfew rules are sufficient in both urban and rural areas.

The survey also asks residents if they believe a 24-hour curfew is something that should be considered and moved towards.

“Ultimately the review of cat curfews will help us create a safer Surf Coast for our community, our cats, and our native wildlife,” Cr Stapleton said.

“Whether you’re a cat owner or not, whether you live in an area zoned urban or rural, we’d love your input on this topic.”

The ‘What’s your Catititude’ survey will be available to submit till Monday September 12.

Visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/About-us/Your-Say/Whats-your-CATtitude.