We’re reviewing our Council Order, which outlines the requirements for people owning domestic cats and dogs within Yarra. This review is included in our Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) that Council adopted in 2021.
A night-time cat curfew is being proposed as part of the review. This measure would require cats to stay within their owner’s premises between 7pm and 7am.
The curfew is designed to:
- keep our cats safe from injury and disease
- lessen chance of cats going missing
- protect native wildlife
- reduce cat-related disturbances at night
- reduce their exposure to extreme weather
Many inner-city councils already have a cat curfew or are considering introducing one soon.
Other changes made as part of the review include:
- Ensuring that dogs and cats in public spaces are controlled properly minimising the risk of them harming the environment or causing a nuisance.
- Adding new rules to Clause 5 of the Council Order, which outline the responsibilities of pet owners in designated off-lead areas. These include making sure that dogs don’t dig or damage areas like sporting fields and keeping dogs on a leash when maintenance work is being done by the Council or contractors.
- Adding O’Connell Reserve, to Schedule 1 of the Council Order, which lists designated off-lead areas; and updating Cairns Reserve from a prohibited park (no dogs allowed) to a park where dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
The purpose of these changes is to improve the management and control of pets in public spaces, ensuring the safety, enjoyment and harmony of both the community and the environment.
As part of the review, we are seeking community feedback on the proposed introduction of a night-time (7pm to 7am) cat curfew, suggestions about how cats are managed in Yarra and the broader Council Order.
The consultation opens on Monday 26 June closes at 9am on Monday 7 August 2023.
Have your say in person:
If you have any questions about the Council Order or the proposed cat curfew, come talk to us in person. We will be holding pop-up information sessions at the following locations:
- The Hive Shopping Centre – 313 Victoria Street, Abbotsford – Saturday 8 July from 10am to 12 noon.
- Quarries Park – Ramsden St, Clifton Hill – Thursday 13 July from 3.30pm to 5.30pm
- Edinburgh Gardens – Alfred Crescent, Fitzroy North – Tuesday 18 July from 3.30pm to 5.30pm
- Gleadell Street Market – Gleadell Street, Richmond – Saturday 22 July from 7am to 1pm
- Barkly Gardens – Coppin and Mary Streets , Richmond – Wednesday 26 July from 3.30pm to 5.30pm
- Curtain Square – Rathdowne Street, Carlton North – Saturday 29 July from 2pm to 4pm
