All cats that call Greater Bendigo home will be restricted to their owner’s property 24 hours a day as the city’s new cat curfew begins Monday.
City of Greater Bendigo Local Laws and Animal Services Coordinator, Sam Johnston, tells Robbo on the Wake Up Call that 80% of Bendigo residents are in favour of the new cat curfew.
Johnston says that “cat containment reduces the risk of cats suffering traumatic injuries from cars and other animals, contracting common cat diseases such as cat flu, ringworm and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, accidental poisoning by toxic plants and pesticides, snake and spider bites and getting lost and being exposed to extreme weather.
“Just like dogs, cats can still go outside, as long as they remain on your property. They can also leave your property if they are under effective control in a securely fitted harness, in a cat carrier, or on a leash.”
The city recommends that owners implement cat-proof fencing or cat enclosures for cats used to free-roaming. More information is available on the Animal Welfare Victoria website.
For more information on the City’s new cat containment rules visit council’s website.
