City of Greater Bendigo’s new cat containment rules start on July 1, 2024.
From July 1, cat owners must contain cats to their property 24 hours a day.
City of Greater Bendigo local laws and animal services co-ordinator Sam Johnston said for many years Greater Bendigo had had an order in place that required cats to be securely confined to their owner’s property from sunset to sunrise.
“From July 1, this will change to 24 hour per day confinement following the adoption of the City’s Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-2025 in November 2021,” he said.
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,’’ Mr Johnston said.
‘’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.
“Cats love to move around and keep watch over their territory and there are plenty of ways your cats can still enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of your own property.’’
For more information on the city’s new cat containment rules, visit www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/residents/pets-and-animals/domestic-animals-act-s25-and-s26-orders
For information on cat-proof fencing, cat enclosures that are attached to an existing structure, the house, verandah or a shed. or free-standing cat enclosures, visit the Animal Welfare Victoria website at agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/cats/enclosures-and-fencing