Cat curfew
Cats within the shire, except the rural zone, must be confined to their owners’ premises between 8pm and 6am daily. Our cat curfew is in response to community concerns about the negative environmental impact of cats on native animals, and the nuisance value of wandering animals for neighbouring households.
The curfew doesn’t apply in areas zoned rural in the planning scheme as it’s difficult to confine a cat to a farm, and they are often instrumental in controlling vermin.
Under the curfew, Council officers can seize cats found-at-large in any public area or outside their owner’s property between 8pm and 6am. Owners have eight days to reclaim their cats.
Under the Domestic Animal Act, cats-at-large can cost their owners a fee of 1 penalty unit for a first offence and 3 penalty units for further infringements.
Register your cats
All cats should be microchipped and registered and must wear a registration tag. This will help return lost and wandering cats to their owners.
Keeping your cat safe and happy at home
This guide is from the RSPCA advising cat owners on how to provide for their cat’s welfare as well as help protect native wildlife by keeping their cat contained to their home, with safe outdoor access.
RSPCA guide to keeping your cat safe and happy at home(PDF, 1MB)
Roaming cats
Contact us on 5261 0600 to report cats roaming on public land. Council Rangers will deal with cats-at-large on Council reserves, and will refer reports of cats roaming on state-owned land to the responsible authority.
Cat cage hire
The Domestic Animals Act allows people to trap cats found trespassing on private property.
Cat traps are available to hire from Council’s Customer Service Centre at 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay.
For cost and terms of hire, download our Cat Cage Hire Agreement form.
Please note that it’s the responsibility of the trapper to ensure that the trapped animal is treated humanely, and has sufficient water and protection from weather and predators while in the trap. Trapped cats may be impounded by calling Council during business hours on 5261 0600.
Helpful guidelines and instructions for trapping nuisance cat
