The Maribyrnong Council is reaching out to the community to gauge support for a potential cat curfew, aiming to keep feline pets safe while addressing concerns about their roaming behavior. This initiative is in response to the risks associated with free-roaming cats, including injuries, diseases, and wildlife attacks.
Mayor Cr Cuc Lam highlighted the council’s efforts to balance the well-being of cats with community concerns. “We understand that cat owners see their pets as family members and want to keep them safe and happy. However, cats that roam freely are at greater risk and can cause issues in the community,” she said.
The council is exploring various options for cat management, including a 24/7 curfew, an overnight curfew, or alternative measures such as community education programs. The goal is to find a solution that ensures better cat management within the municipality.
In 2023, Maribyrnong had over 3,000 registered cats. The council’s Animal Management Team dealt with 435 cat-related issues and picked up 399 stray cats and kittens. Despite most cat owners keeping their pets close, officers are still frequently called to address problems caused by roaming cats, particularly in neighboring areas.
Current Victorian legislation mandates that dogs be confined to their owner’s property, but the specifics of cat confinement are left to local councils. Maribyrnong is considering whether to follow the example of approximately 50% of Victorian councils that have already implemented cat curfews, with another 20% contemplating similar measures.
The feedback from the community will play a crucial role in shaping the council’s proposal on cat management. This consultation aims to determine whether the current approach—encouraging but not requiring cats to be kept within an owner’s property—remains effective or if stricter measures are needed.
Residents are encouraged to share their opinions on the matter, helping the council decide on the best way to protect cats and address the community’s concerns about roaming felines.
