Zoe Moffatt
Hume residents may soon have to keep their furry friends indoors, amid council exploration of a cat curfew in the Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP).
In a meeting on Monday, June 26, council endorsed the draft DAMP 2023-26 following community consultation activities and responses from more than 1000 individuals.
From the survey survey respondents, 74 per cent were in support of a cat curfew, with 46.6 per cent supporting a dusk-dawn curfew and 53.4 per cent supporting a 24-hour curfew.
Aitken Ward councillor Jim Overend said the cat curfew is a big issue and he constantly receives complaints about cats.
“I constantly get residents contacting me complaining about cats around premises in the night, making noise and marking their territory,” Cr Overend said.
“I think this is a great opportunity for residents to now speak up and put this cat curfew in play so that we stop having these problems.
“It’s become a big issue in Hume.”
A report to council noted that while there was majority support in the survey for the introduction of a cat curfew, there will be a further analysis before a decision is made.
The top three animal management concerns from the survey were impacts of cats on fauna and flora, cats wandering at night, and owners not picking up dog droppings.
Meadow Valley Ward councillor Naim Kurt said further considerations include training of authorised officers, promotion of responsible pet ownership, overpopulation, harm to fauna and flora, and dog attacks.
“Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 council is required to develop a [DAMP] every four years,” Cr Kurt said.
“The four year plan aims to guide councils policies, services, and programs to facilitate welfare, safety and harmony between residents and animals.
“I encourage our stakeholders and community members to review the draft document and provide their comments and feedback.”
Residents will be able to provide feedback on the draft DAMP from June 27 to July 25.
