Wyndham’s draft domestic animal plan has gone out for consultation including a proposal to keep cats confined 24 hours a day.
At the September 23 council meeting, all councillors unanimously backed a proposed new framework to manage domestic animals and pets through to 2029.
Compiled with data from previous plans and more than 1000 community consultations received in May, the draft plan includes extending council’s current cat curfew from 10pm-6am to 24 hours.
Cr Robert Szatkowski said the proposed plan was a step in the right direction.
“I know this is going to have a huge positive impact on the environment,” he said.
Cr Szatkowski said the measure will also prevent nuisances caused by cats fighting and will keep pets safe.
“It’s not about catching people out, [but] there isn’t another example of domestic animal species [roaming free].”
The draft plan includes a commitment to educate owners about options available to install contained outdoor spaces, using methods like cat-proof fencing, cat enclosures or fence-top devices.
Should the draft plan be adopted after this feedback phase, it will be a phased introduction over 12 months to help residents adjust to the new rules.
Acting chief executive Mark Rossiter said trespassing cats and cats being out during curfew were more than 60 per cent of concerns raised during community engagement undertaken earlier this year.
“Trespassing cats are a concern to residents,” he said.
“The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) also acknowledges that cats prevented from wandering have an increased life expectancy of 10 years.
“Containment saves lives, with 10 local government areas of Victoria already with 24-hour cat containment orders in place.
“We expect the containment orders will also reduce the number of cats impounded, we picked up 1,675 cats last year and only 16 per cent were reunited with their owner.”
The continuation of education for dog owners relating to picking up waste and ensuring dogs are leashed when in areas not designated as off-leash zones is part of the scheme.
The state government requires all councils to have a domestic animal management plan to ensure the welfare of cats and dogs, promote responsible pet ownership as well as protect the community and environment.
Feedback closes October 22, visit: http//theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/draft-damp-2026-30
