Zoe Moffatt
Hume council will investigate a possible cat curfew models under its new Domestic Animal Management Plan, with nearly three quarters of respondents to a survey in support of a curfew.
At its council meeting on August 28, the council voted to adopt the 2023-2026 plan, which also includes $58,000 for educational campaigns and resources, and $15,000 to support staff development and training.
Speaking to the motion councillor Sam Misho said the plan covers a range of issues throughout the municipality.
“[It] encourages and promotes responsible ownership, [minimising] the risk of being attacked by dogs, [which] we have actually seen within the municipality in the past,” he said.
“It addresses overpopulation of dogs and cats, it encourages the registration and identification of dogs and cats, and also it identifies dangerous dogs in the area, it’s very important for our municipality.”
During development of the plan, the council received feedback from about 1136 residents, with 73.7 per cent in support of a cat curfew, 53.4 per cent in support of a 24-7 curfew and 18 per cent were not in support.
Council said it would investigate possible curfew models, including dusk to dawn or 24-7 models, along with the implementation process.
A draft model will be developed for council consideration in the first year of the plan.
Councillor Jodi Jackson said it is good for the council to have an understanding on the number of stray animals but it should allocate more money to desexing.
“My personal reflection has always been that we have a lot of money at our disposal and certainly can spend a hell of a lot more money on cat and dog desexing programs,” she said.
“We can afford to put more money into this and I think we should… certainly if we’re seeing evidence that cat curfews are not curing our stray cat issue.
“For now I’m very happy that we do have this piece of work in place.”
