Jennifer Pittorino
A petition asking Maribyrnong council to introduce a cat curfew has sparked debate in the community.
At a meeting on February 20, the council accepted and tabled the petition which asks that cats be confined between sunset and sunrise.
The change.org petition created by Kat Mcleod pushes for fines for cat owners who break the curfew.
“Studies have found that each roaming, hunting pet cat kills 110 native animals per year on average,” the petition reads.
“Many cats are currently allowed to roam free in the municipality of Maribyrnong. This has a devastating impact on local native wildlife, particularly ring-tail possums, lizards and bird species.”
The petition sparked debate on social media.
Maribyrnong resident Andrew Maxwell said discussing a cat curfew at council was an “absolute waste of time.”
“I agree with restricting animals from going outside but I am very strongly against tabling that as a discussion at the council meeting,“ he said.
Mr Maxwell said restrictions are already place.
“If you have a cat or dog who is outside of your property during night-time hours, you will get charged in the event that your animal is out during that time,” he said.
“In my eyes, wasting time at a council meeting for them to set up new legislation for a cat curfew is a waste of time because there’s a curfew in place within the current system of nuisance animals.”
The petition sources a report in support of the curfew, which Mr Maxwell believes actually refutes the argument.
“It states that other places have implemented a cat curfew but have actually been unsuccessful in the event that you don’t back that up with all of these other things,” he said.
“These included educating people within the community, setting up advertising campaigns and marketing campaigns, sending out flyers as well as hosting webinars and more.
“None of those things were proposed as part of the implementation.”
Mr Maxwell believes council should push for a greater education of cat awareness instead of added restrictions.
“I think more time and effort should be spent on education rather than trying to enforce additional restrictions which are already in place.”
Maribyrnong mayor Cuc Lam said “There are currently no curfews in place for pets in the City of Maribyrnong“.
“Under the State Government’s Domestic Animals Act 1994, all Victorian Councils are mandated to develop a comprehensive Domestic Animal Management Plan every four years.
“This plan outlines the various programs, services, and policies aimed at effectively managing domestic animal matters and upholding the provisions of the Act.
“Council remains committed to adhering to these legislative requirements while ensuring the welfare and safety of both pets and the community.“
