Harper Sercombe
From August 1, Whittlesea cat owners will be made to desex newly registered cats and contain their cats at all times.
Meaning owners will be required to contain their cats to within their property at all times or have their cats under effective control when outside the property.
The council initiative is aimed to help protect and enhance the welfare and safety of cats within Whittlesea and create a more harmonious environment between pets, people and other animals.
Council’s chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the council would support residents to comply with these new regulations.
“When we endorsed the new regulations, we built in a long lead time to give people plenty of time to get ready for the changes,” she said.
“If you haven’t yet started to prepare your property, I encourage you to visit the council’s website to find hints and tips on how to contain your cat safely on your property.”
The council provided a series of videos to demonstrate how to build cat confining enclosures. As well as cat proof fencing information and details around cat desexing programs.
Local cat owner Marija said she agrees with the council’s plan.
“For me, keeping the cat safely on my property is a no-brainer, compared to the vet costs to treat an accident or injury, a cat enclosure is well worth it, and the peace of mind of knowing my cat is safe while still having outdoor access is priceless,” she said.
Details: www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/cats
