Cat curfew to start from 1 July

Published on 23 June 2023

Cat owners in Hepburn Shire must keep their cats securely confined within their property between sunset and sunrise from 1 July 2023.

The cat curfew is a key action in Council’s Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP), which aims to reduce the chance of cats breeding, fighting, becoming injured or killing wildlife.

“When we asked our community about the priorities for the DAMP, 90 percent of survey respondents supported the introduction of a cat curfew,” said Cr Hood, Mayor of Hepburn Shire Council.

“We know our community loves and cares for their pets. The curfew will help to reduce the risks associated with allowing cats to roam outdoors at night,” he said.

The RSPCA and Cat Protection Society of Victoria are both supportive of curfews. Many Victorian councils have already introduced cat curfews.

To report a breach of the cat curfew, call Council on (03) 5348 2306 or report it via Council’s website at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/issue with a description of the cat and any information on the pet’s known address. A Community Safety Officer will investigate and communicate with the cat owner.

“Our focus is on education for cat owners and of course, where appropriate, staff will take further action consistent with our Cat Management Policy, which may include issuing an Official Warning, a Notice of Objection or a Notice to Comply. Where pet owners repeatedly do not comply with the curfew, it may be appropriate to escalate to an Infringement Notice,” said Cr Hood.

“We also strongly encourage cat owners to make sure their pets are registered with Council.”

All cats over three months of age must be microchipped and registered. The first period of registration is free for microchipped and desexed pets in Hepburn Shire. Registration is due for renewal in April each year.

“Registering your pet is part of being a responsible pet owner. It will help you be reunited with your furry friend should it go missing,” said Cr Hood.

“Ensuring cats are registered and contained within an owner’s property at all times is also a requirement under the Domestic Animal Act.”

For more information on the curfew visit https://www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/cats.