Council Adopts 24-Hour Cat Containment Order

Published on 19 June 2024

In a significant move to protect local wildlife and improve the wellbeing of domestic cats, Swan Hill Rural City Council has resolved to adopt the implementation of a 24-hour cat containment order. 

Council’s Mayor, Cr Stuart King said the decision, made during the Council meeting on Tuesday, 18 June, reflected strong community support for stricter cat management practices.

“The introduction of the 24-hour cat containment order follows extensive community consultation and aligns with the Council's Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) for 2021-2025. 

“Community feedback indicated strong support for addressing cat nuisance issues as well as promoting cat desexing and containment.

“An initial survey received 352 responses and a further recent consultation, 97 submissions were received, with 59% supporting the 24/7 containment proposal and an additional 13% favoring a partial curfew,” Cr King said.

Cr King said the order would officially commence on 1 January 2025, with a six-month grace period ending on 30 June 2025. Full enforcement would begin on 1 July 2025. 

“All cats within the municipality must be confined to their owner's property at all times, unless appropriately restrained in a carrier or on a leash. 

“Council is aiming to protect native wildlife, reduce nuisance behaviors such as spraying and fighting, decrease the feral cat population, and safeguard cats from injury and illness,” Cr King said.

Cr King said that Council acknowledged some residents may need to invest in cat enclosures or cat-proof fencing but believes the long-term benefits outweigh the initial costs.

"This 24-hour containment order is a vital step towards protecting our precious wildlife and ensuring the health and safety of our pet cats. 

“We are committed to working with the community to make this transition smooth and effective,” he said.

All cat owners in the municipality will soon be receiving correspondence detailing the implementation of the 24-hour cat containment order and providing relevant information.

For details regarding the low-cost cat desexing program for residents in the municipality please contact the National Desexing Network by calling 1300 368 992 or visit https://ndn.org.au/

For more information, please contact Council on 03 5036 2333.