FAQs

The Domestic Animals Act 1994 requires all dogs to be confined to their owner’s property unless under effective control, however it is up to individual councils to determine confinement rules for cats. 

We heard during consultation for our Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-2025 that there was desire within the community for the introduction of a cat curfew, so we undertook extensive community engagement in early 2023 to determine if this sentiment was represented across the Shire. 

We received a record 900 plus survey responses during the consultation period, with more than 94% of survey respondents citing the protection of wildlife as the main reason for supporting a curfew, 55% citing the prevention of trespass and 48% the protection of cats from injury, disease and becoming lost.

Respondents also indicated that they preferred a 24/7 curfew over a dusk to dawn and that this type of curfew brings cat containment in line with dogs.

As a result, Council endorsed the recommendation to introduce a 24/7 cat curfew and mandatory desexing for cats upon registration at the October 2023 Council meeting.

Cat owners are currently required to prevent their cat from wandering onto private land, which if caught, could result in penalties if the trespassing cats weren't registered and/or pound release fees. This is an existing rule under State-wide legislation. 

The new cat curfew simply adds public land to the area that a cat cannot roam on and, should owners fail to comply this means they can now also be fined if their cats are found outside of their property boundary.

Yes, we undertook extensive community engagement in early 2023 to determine if there was support across the Shire for the introduction of these measures.

We received a record 900 plus survey responses during the consultation period, with more than 94% of survey respondents citing the protection of wildlife as the main reason for supporting a curfew, 55% citing the prevention of trespass and 48% the protection of cats from injury, disease and becoming lost.

There are many benefits associated with a cat containment, one of the main benefits being it keeps our beloved furry friends safe from harm.

It is well-established that contained cats have a higher life expectancy than cats that are allowed to wander. 

Containing our cats prevents them from: 

• Killing native wildlife (even well-fed cats will hunt).
• Getting hit by vehicles.
• Becoming injured in fights.
• Other trauma.
• Annoying neighbours by spraying, fighting, yowling, and digging in gardens.
• Becoming lost/impounded.
• Getting stolen and mistreated.
• Disease.
• Unwanted breeding with unowned or feral populations.

You can keep your cat confined to your property by installing cat proof fencing or adding a cat enclosure to your house or shed. You may also choose to keep your best buddy inside and train them to go on a leash when outside.

There are a number of websites that provide information on how to build, or where you can purchase cat enclosures.

• Visit the Agricultural Victoria website
• Visit the RSPCA Keeping your Cat Safe and Happy at Home website

See the YouTube videos below for inspiration to help you build a cat enclosure:

• Video 1
• Video 2
• Video 3

Resources to assist in transitioning your cat to an indoor lifestyle or outdoor enclosure can be found on the Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife website. Some simple methods include:

• Feeding your cat indoors
• Instead of letting your cat back outside as soon as they're finished eating, keep them inside for increasing periods of time
• If you're retraining your cat during the winter, a warm, dry bed to snuggle in may encourage them to stay inside

Yes. As long as your cat is under adequate control while being walked, this is a great activity for keeping your cat active and happy.

If a cat is caught outside of its owner's property, enforcement action will be taken against the cat owner, such as taking the cat to the pound and issuing a fine. 

Pound fees are set at $25 a day and the fine for breach of confinement is $99.  

If you have issues with cats trespassing, you can request a cat trap from Council, or you can safely trap the cat to take to the pound. Please call Council's rangers beforehand as the Albury Animal Care Centre will not accept any animal drop-offs without prior arrangement.

If a cat is trapped during curfew and picked up by officers, it will either be returned to the owners or taken to the Albury Animal Care Centre. If the cat is collected from the pound, owners will have to pay a reclaim fee. Fees depend on whether the cat is registered, microchipped and desexed which is compulsory. Owners will also face other enforcement actions, such as a fines.

Pound fees are set at $25 a day and the fine for breach of confinement is $192.

We also recommend that you pop a collar on your cat with your contact details so that should your pet accidentally roam, it can be returned home safely.

Click here to find out more about registering your cat.

All cats are included in our Domestic Animal Management Plan and are part of the 24-hour curfew. 

While these cats (which also must be microchipped and registered as per state law) have larger property boundaries, and as such, are less likely to trespass, they are still subject to the curfew and enforcement. 

If you find a nuisance cat on your property you should always try to talk to the owner.

If you try this and can’t resolve the issue, you can use a box or pet carrier to secure the cat and drop it off to the Albury Animal Care Centre. Please make sure you contact Council's rangers beforehand as the Albury Animal Care Centre will not accept animal drop-offs without prior arrangement.

You can also contact Council to collect the cat for you.

Yes, your cat is allowed outdoors, if it remains on your property. 

You can also look to install one of the many forms of enclosures which are available to buy or make. 

Cats can be kept:

• In your front yard where the cat is unable to leave your property boundary
• In your back yard where the cat is unable to leave your property boundary
• In a suitable cat enclosure.

It is expected that there will be a slight increase in cat complaints as a result of the curfew because residents who dislike roaming cats will now know that this is in breach of the rules.

 This is a pattern that has been seen elsewhere when a curfew is introduced.

Generally, people who complain about roaming cats do not wish harm to the cat, they simply want it to stay at its owner’s property. 

If anyone is aware of vigilante activity, it should be immediately reported to the Police.

The cat curfew and desexing mandates are complementary policies in that:

• Desexed cats can be easier to confine and are less likely to want to roam and hunt.
• Curfewed cats are separated from local feral populations to assist with population control.

Similar to the cat curfew, there was overwhelming community support (71.94% of survey respondents) for the introduction of mandatory desexing upon registration.

Desexing upon registration will also assist with population control and unwanted litters.