The City of Greater Geelong is welcoming community feedback on a review of cat curfews within the municipality.
In response to the City's Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) review in 2021, it was identified that the community is concerned about the impact cats are having on native birds and animals.
One of the new actions for the City's Domestic Animal Management Plan 2022 – 2025 was to investigate the option of 24-hour cat confinement as a tool to address cat behaviour, which aligns with best practice in animal management and in consultation with cat owners.
The City currently has a curfew order requiring cats to be confined to their owner's property from sunset to sunrise, and now the City is seeking community feedback on observed cat behaviours to help determine whether to keep the current rules or consider changes.
Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan
I encourage all residents to contribute to the discussion.The City would appreciate all community members having input on this topic, whether you live in an urban or rural area, whether you own a cat or not.
The City understands that cats are treasured companions for many people throughout our region, however it's also acknowledged that when cats are let to roam freely, they can have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of the environment, native wildlife and neighbouring pets.
The rules that outline how cats need to be contained are crucial, similar to the regulations that require dogs to be securely enclosed on their owner's property.
Kardinia Ward councillor Bruce Harwood
I join Mayor Sullivan in urging community members to have their say on this topic.A key goal in this review is to help us create a safer community for our cats, native wildlife and the broader environment.
Along with assisting us protect our native wildlife, a curfew is important in the safety of our beloved pets as it reduces the chances of a cat getting lost, being struck by a vehicle, fighting with other animals or picking up diseases.
A curfew also helps with neighbourhood relations, avoiding cats spraying, calling, and defecating in gardens.
Along with the opportunity to respond to an on-line survey on the City's Have Your Say platform, the City will hold face-to-face drop-in sessions at Grovedale, Drysdale and Lara.
Hard copies of the survey will also be available at the City's Customer Service Centre.
To complete the online survey head to: yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/catcurfew
The community engagement has commenced and will be open until Sunday July 16, 2023.
