As of the 1st of August 2023, the Whittlesea Shire introduced a 24/7 cat curfew. This law requires that all cats be contained to their owners’ property at all hours, otherwise owners face fines exceeding $500.

Why do we oppose the 24 hour cat curfew? 

At the present time, many rescues in the shire are at capacity. As it is impossible to confine a cat to a property without installing thousand-dollar enclosures which deprive cats of their natural freedoms, cat owning residents will be forced to pay exorbitant fines in order to have their cats returned.

In light of the current inflation, many cat-owning residents will be unable to pay their fines and will be forced to surrender their cats. The increase of cats in already over-filled shelters will undoubtedly lead to even greater rates of euthanasia.

Instead, we propose the implementation of the dusk till dawn curfew. This curfew would allow the council to protect the wildlife, without unnecessarily burdening cat owners.

By signing this petition, you demonstrate your opposition to the 24/7 cat curfew. This will enable us to stand up to the council and provide grounds to revoke this curfew.

Let's stop this illogical curfew together.

* Image sourced from https://aldf.org/article/new-york-city-show-your-support-for-the-animal-sentience-resolution/