The State Government requires all Councils to have a Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP), which focus on the management of cats and dogs within each municipality.

DAMPs help promote responsible pet ownership, ensure the welfare of cats and dogs in the community, and help protect the community and the environment from issues caused by nuisance cats and dogs.

Council's current Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-25 expires at the end of this year. A new draft DAMP has been developed in consultation with subject matter experts and in line with State Government guidelines.

The draft DAMP includes new actions and activities for the next four years, including a 24/7 cat curfew and mandatory desexing of cats. This followed feedback from over 1,000 community members in June 2024 on the idea of a cat curfew, with over three quarters of respondents in favour of a curfew (either 24/7 or a partial curfew).

We want to hear your feedback on how proposed 24/7 cat curfew might work. We also want to hear your thoughts on potential mandatory cat desexing, along with any general feedback you have on the draft DAMP.

Your feedback will be considered and used to refine the draft DAMP. A final version will be presented to Council for consideration at the November 2025 Council meeting.

You can learn more about the key actions, cat curfews and the benefits of desexing below.

Feedback closes midnight Sunday 21 September 2025.

Investigating a cat curfew was listed as a key action in Council's Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-25.

In June 2024, we asked the community for their views on the potential introduction of a cat curfew, specifically:

• no curfew (no change)
• an overnight curfew (sometimes called dusk to dawn)
• full 24/7 curfew.

We received over 1,000 responses across our online survey and via email. Read more about the findings below or download a copy of the Cat Curfew Community Engagement Summary Report.

• A cat curfew means keeping your cat contained within your property boundary.
• Cat curfews, sometimes called cat containment, are recommended by both the RSPCA and Lost Dogs Home.
• Approximately 50% of Councils in Victoria have a cat curfew, while a further 20% are currently considering one.
• Keeping cats confined is not considered cruel. Cats do not need to roam around a neighbourhood to live a healthy life. If their basic needs are met, cats will enjoy long and healthy lives.
• The draft DAMP proposes that Council collaborate with community organisations around cat containment programs, provide options for low-cost cat enclosures and other management approaches.
• Should the draft DAMP be endorsed by Council, the cat curfew will be rolled out from 2026.

Keeping cats inside property boundaries has several benefits for pet cats, the community, and natural environment including:

• Mandatory desexing is proposed for pet cats only, cat breeders will be exempt under the proposed updates.
• The draft DAMP proposes that Council investigate and deliver discounted and easy to access desexing services. This may include the provision of vouchers to clinics for low cost services or other options that support this program.
• Most cats within the City are already desexed. Of 3,551 registered cats, only 62 are not desexed.
• Desexing cats has many benefits:
  • Healthier, safer lives for cats: desexing reduces the risk of cancers, infections, and injuries from roaming or fighting. It also helps prevent behavioural issues, like urine spraying and calling in heat.
  • Fewer unwanted litters: early-age desexing is a safe, permanent way to prevent unplanned pregnancies, reducing the number of stray and euthanised animals.
  • Better outcomes for the community and environment: desexed cats are less likely to roam, fight, or harm native wildlife.
• Should the draft DAMP be endorsed by Council, the mandatory desexing will be rolled out from 2026 and 2027.
• Further information about the desexing cats and dogs can be found on the Agriculture Victoria's website.