Who let the cats out?

RESPONSIBLE pet ownership is meant to be a given when you own pets. When the rules aren’t set in concrete however, it can be open to interpretation and problems can arise.

Wandering animals such as cats can cause problems in the community. While social media platforms can be helpful in finding a lost or wandering cat, it can be troublesome when repeat offenders are identified regularly through these channels. Some may ask, why aren’t these people looking after their pets?

Under the Murrindindi Shire’s domestic animal plan, a council survey took place in March to April 2021 and it found 45.92 per cent of participants had concerns about wandering cats. Back then, 696 cats were registered within the shire.
Cat curfews don’t exist in Murrindindi Shire, or in the nearby Strathbogie Shire Council and Mansfield Shire Council.

Mitchell Shire does have a cat curfew. It was introduced in October 2019 and it requires cats to be confined to the owner’s premises overnight between sunset and sunrise. Cats which are not confined during the day (during non-curfew hours) can still be trapped if a resident objects to the cat being on their property.

Yarra Ranges Council has a 24/7 cat curfew in place which means residents must always keep their cats within their property boundary. This means that cats can be kept in your front yard where the cat is unable to leave your property boundary, in your backyard where the cat is unable to leave your property boundary, inside your house, or in a suitable cat enclosure.

Although Murrindindi Shire recommends that…

Photo – -photochem PA