General News
1 May, 2026
Cat curfew for Mount Alexander
Mount Alexander Shire Council has voted to adopt a 24-hour cat curfew across the shire, requiring cats to be securely confined to their owner’s property at all times.
The decision follows council’s adoption of the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026–2029 and a review of existing Orders of Council under the Domestic Animals Act 1994. The new order replaces the current sunset to sunrise curfew with full time containment.
The change reflects community support and council’s responsibility to protect wildlife, animal welfare, neighbourhood amenity and the local environment.
To support cat owners, councillors have approved a six-month education and transition period before enforcement begins.
“We understand this is going to be a big change for many cat owners in the shire, which is why council has taken an education first approach,” mayor Toby Heydon said.
“Our focus will be on helping people understand the new require-ments and supporting them to make the transition.”
Community consultation under-taken during the development of the Domestic Animal Management Plan shows support for full time cat containment.
Roaming cats can impact native wildlife through predation, contribute to nuisance behaviours such as spraying and fighting and increase the spread of disease. These impacts occur throughout the day, limiting the effectiveness of a time restricted curfew.
Council also considers full time containment to be beneficial for cat welfare, reducing risks such as vehicle strike, injury from fights, exposure to poisons and disease.
“We know that for a significant number of residents, cats provide essential companionship and joy. Keeping cats safely contained on the property means they are far less likely to be hit by cars or bashed up in neighbourhood brawls with other pets,” Cr Heydon said.
“So, these measures should improve the health of our local wildlife as well as our beloved pets.”
The six month education and transition period will focus on:
• Raising awareness of the new requirements
• Providing practical guidance on humane and enriching indoor cat care
• Supporting voluntary compliance before enforcement begins.
Cr Heydon said the approach reflects council’s commitment to fairness.
“This is a logical development of the previous sunset-to-sunrise curfew, and it is a proportionate approach that gives people time, information and support,” he said.
Further information about the 24 hour cat curfew and resources to support cat owners will be available through council’s website and communication channels during the transition period.