Curfew adopted for Baw Baw cats

Cats in Baw Baw shire must be kept on their home premises at all times and new cats won’t be registered unless they are desexed under a new order adopted by the council.

New orders under the council’s Domestic Animal Management Plan also require all dogs to be on a chain, cord or leash in all public places except for “designated off leash areas”.

The measures were adopted on a six-three vote at the council’s December meeting with mayor Joe Gauci and Crs Keith Cook, Danny Goss, Peter Kostos, Jessica O’Donnell and Michael Leaney in favour.

Crs Tricia Jones, Darren Wallace and Mikaela Power opposed the new orders.

A report to the council meeting said the actions would protect the community and environment from feral cats and wandering dogs, encourage responsible pet ownership and reunite owners with pets as quickly as possible.

It stated key stakeholders, veterinary clinics and local animal rescue groups had been consulted on the matter. Some exemptions apply to de-sexing of cats. It is not required if a cat is owned by a domestic animal business and used for breeding purposes, the owner is a member of and the cat registered with an applicable organisation or there is written veterinary advice that it would “significantly prejudice” the health of a cat.