The Bellarine community is invited to have their say on a cat curfew review to reduce the impact on native birds and animals.
The City of Greater Geelong Council has created a survey for people to share their thoughts on the current curfew and whether any changes are needed.
Mayor Trent Sullivan said he hoped everyone would participate in the discussion whether they lived in an urban or rural area and whether they owned a cat or not.
“The City understands that cats are treasured companions for many people throughout our region,” he said.
“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.”
The current order requires cats to be confined to their owner’s property from sunset to sunrise.
Kardinia Ward councillor Bruce Harwood said a key goal of the review was to help create a safe community for 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,” he said.
“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.”
The cat curfew review forms part of the City’s Domestic Animal Management Plan 2022 to 2025 actions to investigate a 24-hour cat confinement option to address cat behaviour.
The survey is available online at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/catcurfew or as a hard copy from the City’s Customer Service Centre until Sunday, July 16.
