Curfew fur flying
Wes Hosking
30Jun08
A PROPOSED night lockdown of Kingston moggies has sparked a catfight among their owners.
A curfew which Kingston Council will consider would see roaming felines restrained from sunset to sunrise.
But it has failed to get universal agreement among the area's cat fanciers.
Clarinda cat breeder Marie Orchard said the move would protect animals from the spread of disease and injury.
"It's called responsible pet ownership," Ms Orchard said.
"I do not believe in cats running loose."
But Mordialloc cat owner Maryanne Jakovac warned the rodent population would spiral out of control if cats were kept indoors.
"With those rodents being nocturnal creatures, if cats are going to hunt them it has to be at night," Ms Jakovac said. "I am horrified. I would even think of moving."
Confirmation Kingston Council is pursuing a cat curfew follows speculation about the contents of its draft Domestic Animal Management Plan (the Leader, May 5).
The plan, required under new statutory obligations, also proposes compulsory cat de-sexing at an early age and the employment of a specialist cat control officer.
Hawker ward councillor Rosemary West said it provided an important opportunity to protect native wildlife and boost cat welfare.
"We know cats that are allowed to roam at night strike problems," she said.
Cat Protection Society executive director Dr Carole Webb said a night curfew had already been adopted by about 10 Melbourne councils.
And about three others have a 24-hour ban.
"The days of putting the cat out with the milk bottles are long gone," Dr Webb said.
Kingston chief executive John Nevins said the council was seeking public comment on the idea until the end of July, with a decision likely on August 25.
