Cat Curfew 2019

A nightly cat curfew was adopted in July 2019 and is now being implemented. Thank you to everyone who provided input. 

kittens

**Note: The cat curfew was adopted in July 2019 and is now being implemented. Thank you for you input.**

Mitchell Shire Council adopted a Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) in July 2018.

At the time we asked the community about a range of animal management opportunities including a cat curfew. We had a large response from across the community with 70 per cent of people who took part saying they would support a cat curfew from sunset to sunrise.

We're now preparing to introduce the curfew. We want your input about how we should introduce the curfew, how we can best help cat owners to do the right thing, what will happen if people have problems with cats on their property and any concerns people may have that need addressing.

We've prepared some information about how the curfew will work and we'd like your input. We'd also like to know how we can help you and your cat to make the transition as smoothly as possible.

Submissions close 9am, Monday 27 May 2019.

**Note: The cat curfew was adopted in July 2019 and is now being implemented. Thank you for you input.**

Mitchell Shire Council adopted a Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) in July 2018.

At the time we asked the community about a range of animal management opportunities including a cat curfew. We had a large response from across the community with 70 per cent of people who took part saying they would support a cat curfew from sunset to sunrise.

We're now preparing to introduce the curfew. We want your input about how we should introduce the curfew, how we can best help cat owners to do the right thing, what will happen if people have problems with cats on their property and any concerns people may have that need addressing.

We've prepared some information about how the curfew will work and we'd like your input. We'd also like to know how we can help you and your cat to make the transition as smoothly as possible.

Submissions close 9am, Monday 27 May 2019.

A nightly cat curfew was adopted in July 2019 and is now being implemented. Thank you to everyone who provided input. 

  • Why is the curfew being introduced?

    The curfew is being introduced to:

    • help keep pet cats safer
    • reduce the impact of nuisance cats on community members
    • better manage feral cats
    • reduce the impact of cats on wildlife.

    For most people who already do the right thing and keep their cats contained, this won't change much.

    However, there are some cat owners who will need to make some adjustments.


  • Top 12 benefits to keep your cat inside at night

    1. They live longer
    2. Cats don't go missing
    3. Cats don't get hit by traffic
    4. Cats don't accidentally get locked in sheds/garages
    5. Cats are protected and less likely to contract or spread disease
    6. Cats are safe from pesticides in neighbouring gardens
    7. Cats safe from feral cats
    8. Happier neighbours: No cats roaming around in their gardens. No cats digging up their plant pots. No cats catching birds that are welcome visitors in their garden
    9. No cats roaming causing dogs to bark
    10. Environmentally friendly - Hunting of wildlife isn't possible if your cat is confined - Total control over what your cat eats
    11. Lower cost - Less chance of injury occurring from traffic or cat fights - Less chance of your cat picking up disease or infections = Lower vet bills.
    12. Owners get to spend more time with their cat - Quality time with your cat in your garden.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    We've prepared some FAQs about how the curfew will work as well as some common questions that are likely to come up from cat owners or from people experiencing problems with cats on their property.