Felines of Bendigo could be in for a rude shock this Christmas as calls mount for a 24-hour cat curfew.
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Last night, City of Greater Bendigo voted to release the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2016 - 2020 (DAMP) for public comment, giving ratepayers until the end of the year to have their say.
The plan discusses a range of proposals, including: a pet expo, new dog parks, tougher leash and litter regulations, decreasing the number of dogs in the pound.
Perhaps the most controversial, though, is an proposed extension to existing rules which ban cats from wandering at night.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW POLL.
The report does not endorse the community proposal for an extension to the “sunset to sunrise” ban, arguing the majority of cat problems occur at night.
“A 24/7 curfew would potentially reduce cat nuisance issues but would be a cost burden to residents,” it reads.
“[‘It would require a strong commitment from owners [and] 55 per cent of survey respondents did not support this.
“Council would need to consider the costs involved in resourcing this control if introduced.”
But Councilor Peter Cox used last night’s meeting to throw his support behind the idea. He argued that cats were the only animals allowed to roam our streets and, in doing so, take a terrible toll on native wildlife.
The former mayor urged ratepayers to have their say on the issue.
“This is the time to comment, it only comes around once every four years,” he said.
Council will formally consider the cat curfew with the adoption of the DAMP.
Send your comments or submissions to council by addressing the Animal Services coordinator Anthony Schofield PO Box 733, Bendigo, VIC 3552 or email parking&animalrequests@bendigo.vic.gov.au prior to December 31, 2015.