Bass Coast Shire Council will introduce a 24-hour cat containment order from 1 July, 2023.
As part of the roll out of this order, Council is running a community education campaign which will include information sessions in Wonthaggi and Inverloch in October, and in San Remo and Cowes next March.
Community Safety Officers will be in the Bass Coast Information Van at Apex Park in Wonthaggi on Tuesday, 4 October from 1.00pm to 3.00pm and at the Glade in Inverloch on Thursday, 20 October from 10.00am to 12.00pm.
In 2023, there will be a session at San Remo, in the foreshore carpark area on Thursday, 2 March from 2.00pm to 4.00pm and at Cowes on Chapel Street (Olive Justice Place) on Tuesday, 14 March form 12.00pm to 2.00pm.
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan said that the order is being put in place to protect cats, as well as local wildlife, and to reduce the issues that straying pets can cause in the community.
"It's important to note that the curfew does not mean cats need to be confined indoors 24/7. You can keep them entirely indoors or allow your cat to roam indoors and outdoors while keeping them securely on your property," Cr Whelan said.
"If you do plan to let your cat roam in your yard, you will need to effectively cat proof it, to keep your cat safe and secure."
If you are a cat owner, there are some things that you can start preparing now, to create a suitable environment to keep your cat on your property.
"We appreciate this is a new rule for cat owners, so we are committed to assisting cat owners in adapting to the change," Cr Whelan said.
