A cat curfew will be imposed in Maribyrnong next year under a draft animal management plan endorsed at a council meeting on Tuesday night.
Under the draft plan, which is now subject to public comment, a 24/7 cat confinement order will be imposed from mid-2026 in order to support the welfare of domestic cats and protect the natural environment.
The move to impose a cat curfew comes after a survey of almost a thousand residents conducted last year found more than three-quarters supported the idea, with 66 per cent supporting it being imposed 24/7.
The primary reason respondents gave for supporting a cat curfew was the impact on local wildlife.
If approved, a public education campaign and amnesty period will precede the introduction of the curfew, which will then be reviewed after the first 12 months.
Cat desexing will also be made compulsory and will be accompanied by a subsidised program to help low-income cat owners have their animals desexed.
There will be an increased focus on improving pet adoption rates through initiatives like a pet adoption day at the lost dog’s home and supporting pet programs for homeless people.
Data and research into dog attacks will be used to reduce the amount of dog attacks in the community, while there will be increased enforcement patrols from authorised officers who will go through conflict resolution and people management training.
The draft plan is available for community feedback until September 21, after which it will return to council for formal adoption.
To comment: yourcityyourvoice.com.au/damp
