Start preparing to contain your cat, says shire

THE implementation of 24/7 cat containment in Bass Coast appears to have considerable community support following a number of shire information sessions.

As part of the shire’s Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-25, cats will need to be contained to their owners’ property at all times from July 1, 2023.

After this date, if a cat strays off its property, the cat owner may be issued an infringement.

So far two information sessions have been held at Inverloch and Wonthaggi, with more to come early next year. 

The sessions have seen shire officers giving advice and informing community members on how containment will work, and what owners will be required to do.

The shire’s Community Safety Team will also develop a regulation and enforcement plan to regulate 24/7 cat containment, which could include cat traps, developing improved cat trap processes and promoting cat trap process.

At Inverloch’s session last week, attendee Liz, who doesn’t reside in Bass Coast but is a long-time visitor, praised the council for the measure.

Liz highlighted that Australia had a high rate of extinction and cat containment would help protect native animals. 

Other attendees also added they believed the measure was appropriate. 

The shire states that there are many ways to contain felines including cat proof boundary fencing, cat enclosures and keeping your cat indoors.

For more information, visit www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/services/pets-animals/cat-containment