Cats of Greater Dandenong are now subject to a curfew and need to be confined to your property from dusk to dawn.
The night-time curfew was introduced following extensive community consultation, and was designed to reduce cat overpopulation and better protect local wildlife.
One of the most significant risks of cat overpopulation is the impact it has on our environment. Greater Dandenong has many sensitive ecological wetlands and conservation areas. These areas are home to birds, including water birds, reptiles, mammals, frogs and other important species, which are under threat from predatory cats.
Each year Greater Dandenong City Council impounds an average of 700 cats, at a significant cost to ratepayers. Only about seven per cent of cats are reclaimed by owners.
What happens if my cat is caught off my property during curfew hours?
If a cat is caught wandering off your property during curfew it will be taken to a pound and the owner will have to pay fees to have their cat released.
In the first instance the owner will receive a warning, but subsequent impoundments will face enforcement actions including a fine. From 10 April, Council will begin issuing warnings and fines to owners who do not observe the curfew.
Pet registrations due
The law requires all owners to register cats and dogs aged over three months with Council.
More importantly, keeping pet registration and microchip details up to date means we can return lost and wandering pets to owners as quickly and safely as possible.
Registrations are due by Wednesday 10 April and heavily discounted fees are offered for desexed pets and those over 10 years of age.
