The City of Greater Geelong council has backtracked on its decision to impose a 24-hour curfew on cats, following a notice of rescission passed at a recent council meeting. The council voted 6-5 to maintain the existing cat curfew order, which has been in effect since July 1, 2009. This order mandates that cats must be confined to their owners’ properties between sunset and sunrise.
The proposed motion to enforce a 24-hour curfew, starting from November 1 this year, was rescinded due to concerns about the financial burden on cat owners and the lack of clarity for renters living with cats. Brownbill Ward councillor Melissa Cadwell led the initiative to rescind the order, highlighting the potential hardship it could impose on residents with limited incomes and the uncertainty surrounding compliance for renters.
Under the proposed 24-hour confinement order, cat owners would have been required to keep their pets indoors or in a secure outdoor area at all times. Failure to comply could have resulted in fines ranging from $96 to $385 under the Victorian Domestic Animals Act.
Ultimately, the decision to maintain the existing curfew was supported by councillors Bruce Harwood, Peter Murrihy, Eddy Kontelj, Anthony Aitken, and Sarah Hathway, while councillors Trent Sullivan, Jim Mason, Elise Wilkinson, Ron Nelson, and Belinda Moloney favored upholding the 24-hour curfew.
The council’s reversal underscores the delicate balance between animal welfare, public safety, and the concerns of residents, highlighting the need for thorough consideration and consultation in implementing such measures.
