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Cat Confinement
Council introduced cat confinement in February 2010, the curfew requires that all cats must be confined inside your house or garage between sunset and sunrise.
Cats trespassing on private property can cause nuisance by defecating in gardens, fighting, making noise or attacking wildlife. We may, together with these property owners, may take measures to stop a cat from trespassing on their property.
Cat proof fences
Fence extensions - erected entirely on your side of the fence - are a simple and effective way to prevent your cat from jumping over your fence.
Cat enclosures
Cat enclosures can be attached to an existing structure, such as a patio or fence, or free standing.
Cats prefer to exercise by stretching, jumping and climbing rather than running long distances, so elevation is more important than floor space. Try to cater for this requirement with accessories like pet houses, catwalks, climbing poles, scratching posts, steps, ramps and hammocks.
For more information on cat proof fences or cat enclosures visit the Pets Victoria website.
Domestic Animal Management Plan
Cat Confinement is the key recommendation of our Domestic Animal Management Plan, developed in consultation with residents.
The Domestic Animals Act accepts that cats wander but also requires you to respect your neighbours' wishes so if your cat is not welcome, you must keep it away.
What can happen when your cat is not welcome
If a resident catches your cat on their property, they should advise us as soon as possible after capture by signing a Statutory Declaration and taking your cat either to the Geelong Animal Welfare Society or returning your cat back to you.
If we can identify that you are the owner of the cat that has been captured, Council can serve a notice on you objecting to the presence of your cat on the private property.
If your cat enters or remains on the private property after the notice, Council may take further action by issuing an Infringement Notice or having the matter heard before the Magistrates' Court.
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