Pets are part of the family. They bring us joy, companionship, and unconditional love. And we want the best for them. That’s why we make sure they have the best food, the best toys, and the best veterinary care.

And as responsible pet owners, it's important to prioritise the exercise needs of our furry friends. Just like us, our pets need to stay active to stay healthy – both physically and mentally.

There are a number of ways to make sure your pet gets the exercise they need. If you have a dog, regular walks or runs are a great way to get them moving. If you have a cat, provide them with plenty of toys and space to run and explore.

Speaking of running spaces for cats, it has been a controversial debate over the past few years on whether it is ethical for cats to roam outside their owners' houses, with some people arguing that the felines are liable for the deaths of local wildlife.

That's why when Bass Coast Shire Council, located east of Melbourne, introduced a new ordinance that orders a 24/7 cat ban to stop the animals from roaming the streets, pet owners were quick to call out the initiative.

Bass Coast Shire Council CEO Ali Wastie declared the new policy, informing residents that they will be fined $180 if their cats are caught wandering outside their properties.

She explained: ‘The best thing for cats is for them to be contained.’

‘We have penguins, we have an abundance of wildlife. The only way to keep our wildlife safe is to have these cats contained.’

Ecologist Dr Jim Radford supported the claim, saying: ‘The average pet cat wandering unconstrained for 24 hours a day kills an average of 115 native animals per year.’

A new local council ordinance has outraged pet owners after it ordered a ‘24/7’ ban on cats. Credit: iStock.​

While these reasons may seem valid, cat owners seemed to be outraged by the announcement, with many describing the new law as ‘stupid’.

Several cat owners went as far as to say that Australia has completely lost it with its ridiculous laws.

One person wrote: ‘Australia, the most insane country in the world.’

‘Australia is out of control with controlling its citizens,’ another agreed.

A third said: ‘This country has lost the plot.’

Others called for a different approach, with one cat owner suggesting: ‘Fairly draconian way … not impressed. A more positive action of assisting in desexing etc would be appropriate.’

Meanwhile, several others claimed that the focus of government officials seems to be misdirected to their pets instead of the other issues in the country.

‘Cats aren’t the problem, thieves, drunks etc. cause much more carnage and damage than a cat. Put your energy and money into policing them,’ one woman said.

It should be noted that Bass Coast Shire is not the only council enforcing these laws. In some areas of Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory, local councils are issuing heavy fines to residents who allow their cats to roam free, with some fines even reaching up to $1600.

While we believe that laws like this should be studied and supported by experts, we think it is best to have consultations with cat owners as well so authorities can come up with policies and programs that cater to everyone involved.

How about you? What are your thoughts on this? Better yet, does your local council impose such a policy? How have cat owners in your area (or you, if you own a cat) reacted to it?

Also, for those of you who own cats and are looking to train them to be indoor cats (in case your local council imposes the same law), you might want to check out this video:

Credit: YouTube/Relax My Cat - Relaxing Music for Cats​

 

[loraines]

Pets are part of the family. They bring us joy, companionship, and unconditional love. And we want the best for them. That’s why we make sure they have the best food, the best toys, and the best veterinary care.

And as responsible pet owners, it's important to prioritise the exercise needs of our furry friends. Just like us, our pets need to stay active to stay healthy – both physically and mentally.

There are a number of ways to make sure your pet gets the exercise they need. If you have a dog, regular walks or runs are a great way to get them moving. If you have a cat, provide them with plenty of toys and space to run and explore.

Speaking of running spaces for cats, it has been a controversial debate over the past few years on whether it is ethical for cats to roam outside their owners' houses, with some people arguing that the felines are liable for the deaths of local wildlife.

That's why when Bass Coast Shire Council, located east of Melbourne, introduced a new ordinance that orders a 24/7 cat ban to stop the animals from roaming the streets, pet owners were quick to call out the initiative.

Bass Coast Shire Council CEO Ali Wastie declared the new policy, informing residents that they will be fined $180 if their cats are caught wandering outside their properties.

She explained: ‘The best thing for cats is for them to be contained.’

‘We have penguins, we have an abundance of wildlife. The only way to keep our wildlife safe is to have these cats contained.’

Ecologist Dr Jim Radford supported the claim, saying: ‘The average pet cat wandering unconstrained for 24 hours a day kills an average of 115 native animals per year.’

A new local council ordinance has outraged pet owners after it ordered a ‘24/7’ ban on cats. Credit: iStock.​

While these reasons may seem valid, cat owners seemed to be outraged by the announcement, with many describing the new law as ‘stupid’.

Several cat owners went as far as to say that Australia has completely lost it with its ridiculous laws.

One person wrote: ‘Australia, the most insane country in the world.’

‘Australia is out of control with controlling its citizens,’ another agreed.

A third said: ‘This country has lost the plot.’

Others called for a different approach, with one cat owner suggesting: ‘Fairly draconian way … not impressed. A more positive action of assisting in desexing etc would be appropriate.’

Meanwhile, several others claimed that the focus of government officials seems to be misdirected to their pets instead of the other issues in the country.

‘Cats aren’t the problem, thieves, drunks etc. cause much more carnage and damage than a cat. Put your energy and money into policing them,’ one woman said.

It should be noted that Bass Coast Shire is not the only council enforcing these laws. In some areas of Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory, local councils are issuing heavy fines to residents who allow their cats to roam free, with some fines even reaching up to $1600.

While we believe that laws like this should be studied and supported by experts, we think it is best to have consultations with cat owners as well so authorities can come up with policies and programs that cater to everyone involved.

How about you? What are your thoughts on this? Better yet, does your local council impose such a policy? How have cat owners in your area (or you, if you own a cat) reacted to it?

Also, for those of you who own cats and are looking to train them to be indoor cats (in case your local council imposes the same law), you might want to check out this video:

Credit: YouTube/Relax My Cat - Relaxing Music for Cats​

This is nothing new. Casey in Victoria has had this policy for at least 10 years 24/7. . A roaming cat is likely to be run over, attacked or infected by feral cats or dogs, stolen, or drowned in pools or water. Keep them inside. There are plenty of companies who build enclosed catteries if they need to go into the fresh air, or a kit to build one. . People who let their cats out are irresponsible and just too lazy ro provide litter trays.

 

[Ricci]

With more than 4,300 cats in shelters across the country at the moment I can't help but think something has to be done to help them. I don't think having them locked in 24/7 is the answer as it goes completely against their nature. Maybe cats aren't the answer for pets in Australia as they are not native and we only keep them for selfish reasons.

 

[Baz1960]

I adore cats. But they should be contained. Simply cat faeces stinks. Stray cats do there "business" in other people's gardens. Likewise in their local children's playground/child centres sandpit. How unhygienic and disgusting (makes you think twice on kissing/cuddling your grandchild after preschool, doesn't it?).

 

[Thecheesequeen]

This is nothing new. Sherbrooke, I believe, was the first shire to introduce this law many years ago, followed by many other local government areas. It’s been in place in the Shire of Yarra Ranges for many years. And a good thing too, to protect not only our native wildlife, but the cats themselves. And I say this as a cat owner.

 

[Mervyn]

we have the same law in Knox Victoria

 

[Glo72]

Pets are part of the family. They bring us joy, companionship, and unconditional love. And we want the best for them. That’s why we make sure they have the best food, the best toys, and the best veterinary care.

And as responsible pet owners, it's important to prioritise the exercise needs of our furry friends. Just like us, our pets need to stay active to stay healthy – both physically and mentally.

There are a number of ways to make sure your pet gets the exercise they need. If you have a dog, regular walks or runs are a great way to get them moving. If you have a cat, provide them with plenty of toys and space to run and explore.

Speaking of running spaces for cats, it has been a controversial debate over the past few years on whether it is ethical for cats to roam outside their owners' houses, with some people arguing that the felines are liable for the deaths of local wildlife.

That's why when Bass Coast Shire Council, located east of Melbourne, introduced a new ordinance that orders a 24/7 cat ban to stop the animals from roaming the streets, pet owners were quick to call out the initiative.

Bass Coast Shire Council CEO Ali Wastie declared the new policy, informing residents that they will be fined $180 if their cats are caught wandering outside their properties.

She explained: ‘The best thing for cats is for them to be contained.’

‘We have penguins, we have an abundance of wildlife. The only way to keep our wildlife safe is to have these cats contained.’

Ecologist Dr Jim Radford supported the claim, saying: ‘The average pet cat wandering unconstrained for 24 hours a day kills an average of 115 native animals per year.’

A new local council ordinance has outraged pet owners after it ordered a ‘24/7’ ban on cats. Credit: iStock.​

While these reasons may seem valid, cat owners seemed to be outraged by the announcement, with many describing the new law as ‘stupid’.

Several cat owners went as far as to say that Australia has completely lost it with its ridiculous laws.

One person wrote: ‘Australia, the most insane country in the world.’

‘Australia is out of control with controlling its citizens,’ another agreed.

A third said: ‘This country has lost the plot.’

Others called for a different approach, with one cat owner suggesting: ‘Fairly draconian way … not impressed. A more positive action of assisting in desexing etc would be appropriate.’

Meanwhile, several others claimed that the focus of government officials seems to be misdirected to their pets instead of the other issues in the country.

‘Cats aren’t the problem, thieves, drunks etc. cause much more carnage and damage than a cat. Put your energy and money into policing them,’ one woman said.

It should be noted that Bass Coast Shire is not the only council enforcing these laws. In some areas of Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory, local councils are issuing heavy fines to residents who allow their cats to roam free, with some fines even reaching up to $1600.

While we believe that laws like this should be studied and supported by experts, we think it is best to have consultations with cat owners as well so authorities can come up with policies and programs that cater to everyone involved.

How about you? What are your thoughts on this? Better yet, does your local council impose such a policy? How have cat owners in your area (or you, if you own a cat) reacted to it?

Also, for those of you who own cats and are looking to train them to be indoor cats (in case your local council imposes the same law), you might want to check out this video:

Credit: YouTube/Relax My Cat - Relaxing Music for Cats​

My cat is an indoor cat. One of my daughters has 4 indoor cats and she built them an outdoor enclosure so they can enjoy being outside but not harm our wildlife. My granddaughter has 3 cats and she also has an outdoor enclosure for her fur kids. It’s a fact that cats do do damage to our native animals. It doesn’t matter how well fed a cat is it will still hunt,it’s in their DNA. Desexing a cat won’t stop it from hunting.

 

[Mistydolphin1]

I go along with you GLO72. Bells on their collars helps a bit but I have seen many cats in cities as well as rural areas attacking and killing wildlife, the worst I saw was a cat without a bell catching little feathertail gliders.

 

[Pinkbudgiepie]

Hi! I am a fanatic possum appreciator and general wildlife champion, I also have 3 cats and 2 dogs, fish, birds and would have any animal …cats definitely should be locked in at NIGHT without doubt because so many of our creatures are nocturnal from frogs to possums to birds
BUT 2 points are important…cats (and dogs) can be encouraged or discouraged to bother wildlife and it’s up to owners attitudes, and cats sleep more in daytime, they are more likely to seek out a series of nice warm (or cool) beds in the garden during the day, whereas they come alive at night. The old Flintstones image of putting the saber-tooth tiger out at night is the culprit and that could be educated out of our habits
If you legislate against 24/7 you are guaranteed to fail to achieve what is the reason behind it, ie. protecting our wildlife

 

[Mrs P]

Pets are part of the family. They bring us joy, companionship, and unconditional love. And we want the best for them. That’s why we make sure they have the best food, the best toys, and the best veterinary care.

And as responsible pet owners, it's important to prioritise the exercise needs of our furry friends. Just like us, our pets need to stay active to stay healthy – both physically and mentally.

There are a number of ways to make sure your pet gets the exercise they need. If you have a dog, regular walks or runs are a great way to get them moving. If you have a cat, provide them with plenty of toys and space to run and explore.

Speaking of running spaces for cats, it has been a controversial debate over the past few years on whether it is ethical for cats to roam outside their owners' houses, with some people arguing that the felines are liable for the deaths of local wildlife.

That's why when Bass Coast Shire Council, located east of Melbourne, introduced a new ordinance that orders a 24/7 cat ban to stop the animals from roaming the streets, pet owners were quick to call out the initiative.

Bass Coast Shire Council CEO Ali Wastie declared the new policy, informing residents that they will be fined $180 if their cats are caught wandering outside their properties.

She explained: ‘The best thing for cats is for them to be contained.’

‘We have penguins, we have an abundance of wildlife. The only way to keep our wildlife safe is to have these cats contained.’

Ecologist Dr Jim Radford supported the claim, saying: ‘The average pet cat wandering unconstrained for 24 hours a day kills an average of 115 native animals per year.’

A new local council ordinance has outraged pet owners after it ordered a ‘24/7’ ban on cats. Credit: iStock.​

While these reasons may seem valid, cat owners seemed to be outraged by the announcement, with many describing the new law as ‘stupid’.

Several cat owners went as far as to say that Australia has completely lost it with its ridiculous laws.

One person wrote: ‘Australia, the most insane country in the world.’

‘Australia is out of control with controlling its citizens,’ another agreed.

A third said: ‘This country has lost the plot.’

Others called for a different approach, with one cat owner suggesting: ‘Fairly draconian way … not impressed. A more positive action of assisting in desexing etc would be appropriate.’

Meanwhile, several others claimed that the focus of government officials seems to be misdirected to their pets instead of the other issues in the country.

‘Cats aren’t the problem, thieves, drunks etc. cause much more carnage and damage than a cat. Put your energy and money into policing them,’ one woman said.

It should be noted that Bass Coast Shire is not the only council enforcing these laws. In some areas of Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory, local councils are issuing heavy fines to residents who allow their cats to roam free, with some fines even reaching up to $1600.

While we believe that laws like this should be studied and supported by experts, we think it is best to have consultations with cat owners as well so authorities can come up with policies and programs that cater to everyone involved.

How about you? What are your thoughts on this? Better yet, does your local council impose such a policy? How have cat owners in your area (or you, if you own a cat) reacted to it?

Also, for those of you who own cats and are looking to train them to be indoor cats (in case your local council imposes the same law), you might want to check out this video:

Credit: YouTube/Relax My Cat - Relaxing Music for Cats​

 

[Mrs P]

I firmly believe Cats should be contained, either indoors at all times or in & out with a cat run area...My reasons are purely for their own good..Too many fall prey to killer roaming dogs or car wheels...I have had contained Cats for about 40 yrs now..& they have not suffered for it..Escape artists are the exception, I shall not go into details, but Keep your Pets safe I say...

 

[IJH]

My cat is an indoor cat. One of my daughters has 4 indoor cats and she built them an outdoor enclosure so they can enjoy being outside but not harm our wildlife. My granddaughter has 3 cats and she also has an outdoor enclosure for her fur kids. It’s a fact that cats do do damage to our native animals. It doesn’t matter how well fed a cat is it will still hunt,it’s in their DNA. Desexing a cat won’t stop it from hunting.

My daughter has 2 cats and has also built an outdoor enclosure so that they can get to be "outside" without getting into trouble or hunting!

 

[Maurie7]

Hi! I am a fanatic possum appreciator and general wildlife champion, I also have 3 cats and 2 dogs, fish, birds and would have any animal …cats definitely should be locked in at NIGHT without doubt because so many of our creatures are nocturnal from frogs to possums to birds
BUT 2 points are important…cats (and dogs) can be encouraged or discouraged to bother wildlife and it’s up to owners attitudes, and cats sleep more in daytime, they are more likely to seek out a series of nice warm (or cool) beds in the garden during the day, whereas they come alive at night. The old Flintstones image of putting the saber-tooth tiger out at night is the culprit and that could be educated out of our habits
If you legislate against 24/7 you are guaranteed to fail to achieve what is the reason behind it, ie. protecting our wildlife

Don't you think your cats hunt during the daylight hours?

 

[Ronloby]

My cat sleeps most of the day then after her evening meal goes outside for a little while and then wants to come inside again for the night. She is a very good mouser so we don't have mouse problems. I live in an outer suburban area on a farm with dogs also and they all sleep inside at night. Wild dogs are a problem as they tend to sleep during the day and roam at night which puts the wildlife at risk.

 

[Maurie7]

My cat sleeps most of the day then after her evening meal goes outside for a little while and then wants to come inside again for the night. She is a very good mouser so we don't have mouse problems. I live in an outer suburban area on a farm with dogs also and they all sleep inside at night. Wild dogs are a problem as they tend to sleep during the day and roam at night which puts the wildlife at risk.

Feral cats are a bigger problem, sorry.

 

[ElleJay]

I live in Yarra Ranges shire in Melbourne's outer east, and this law has been in place for many years. We have two indoor cats who are perfectly happy indoors. We spend time playing with them, and they have a scratching post, climbing tower and plenty of toys. Unfortunately, even with the laws in place, irresponsible owners will still allow their cats to roam. Our neighbour's cat is always in our yard, it has killed several of our goldfish, many wild birds and does its business in the garden right next to our front porch! The cat must be contained before the council will come, so we once borrowed a cat trap from them (an 8 week wait)! It took a few days to trap the cat, which happened in the evening, so it had to stay in the trap all night and was quite traumatised (it's a nuisance, but we love animals and hate to see an animal distressed). The council came and collected it and the owners had to collect it from the pound and pay several fines. They then kept it indoors for about 3 weeks and then let it outside again, so nothing has changed!

 

[DrivingGirl]

This is nothing new. Casey in Victoria has had this policy for at least 10 years 24/7. . A roaming cat is likely to be run over, attacked or infected by feral cats or dogs, stolen, or drowned in pools or water. Keep them inside. There are plenty of companies who build enclosed catteries if they need to go into the fresh air, or a kit to build one. . People who let their cats out are irresponsible and just too lazy ro provide litter trays.

Sorry but I have to disagree - cat owners have just as many rights as any other members of society! A cat is a free roaming animal, they need a territory! While I am aware that SOME cats - definitely not all can be particularly focused hunters - most that are adequately fed and loved as part of the family are not! If you have a particularly predatory cat or dog or person - they need to be contained, I agree.
However your average neutered moggy snoozing outside under a bush or on the driveway where it’s warm, is no risk to anyone or thing except the odd grasshopper!
You cannot take a blanket approach to cats anymore than any other animal or person!
It is the responsibility of the people who allow their cats to breed and then throw the poor little kittens into the bush to die or be eaten themselves. Pet cats should have be to be desexed by law unless you’re a breeder, and apply those horrendous fines to the cruel and ignorant ones who don’t do it.
Last but not least it is feral cats that cause damage to wildlife- it’s not their fault they are feral, they were ditched as kittens and managed to survive and they have to eat!! As usual it’s the lazy governance and control that leads to this situation!

 

[DrivingGirl]

With more than 4,300 cats in shelters across the country at the moment I can't help but think something has to be done to help them. I don't think having them locked in 24/7 is the answer as it goes completely against their nature. Maybe cats aren't the answer for pets in Australia as they are not native and we only keep them for selfish reasons.

They are suitable pets for suitable owners- every country has wildlife, why can’t Australia manage pet ownership better.

 

[Vinylted]

Feral cats are a bigger problem, sorry.

They get to be feral by being let out 24/7! All cat's not contained should be put down, no exceptions! Same goes for foxes also... both are vermin!

 

[SandyM]

I live in the Bass Coast area & have no problem with this rule. I have a 10 year old cat, who has never been outside in the 4 1/2 years since I got him from a rescue. He loves to find a sunny spot to sleep in & spends time in different rooms - following the sun. He was an outside cat before I got him, but loves being safe inside. He doesn't try to "escape" outside at all. My previous indoor cat lived to be 18 years old. She might not have lived such a healthy, happy life if she had been an outside cat.