Do we need a cat curfew in the shire?

This is not a campaign to harm our beloved felines, but there is clearly a drive to ensure these pets are secured at night in their owners’ homes.

POLL: And we’d like to know if you think a cat curfew is appropriate.

Newsport reader Cliff Mitting sees it this way:

“Cats are one of, if not, the most destructive feral animal to our native wildlife. It has been said that cats have made extinct more species in Australia than land clearing.

“Right throughout Australia they have caused species to be put on the endangered list or become extinct, eg the Bilby has been a nearly wiped out in central Australia. I have seen wild cats that have been shot weigh in around 15 to 20kg. We don’t need a wild blank Panther we have our wild moggies.”

He added: “Don’t get me wrong. l am not a cat hater, but cats are predators helping to destroy our wildlife.

“No one is watching at night what domestic cats get up too. I have spoken to many people who have the same opinion as l do, not cat haters but people who care about our wildlife.

“There has been the remains of dead Torres Strait Pigeons and Curlews found some mornings.”

Douglas Shire Council has a firm policy on this issue which is strongly endorsed by Mayor Michael Kerr.

“Cats are popular pets and can be a great addition to the family, however, they need to be cared for responsibly. As a cat owner you need to ensure you are complying with the relevant Local Laws in the Douglas Shire.

“Two cats are allowed per property, however, if you live in a Conservation Planning area you cannot own or keep a cat,” according to Council.

Responsibility

Council has also outlined what to adhere to as a responsible cat owner:

• Microchipping your animal/s before 12 weeks of age. You are not permitted to sell or give away any cat or dog, born after July 2008, unless it’s been microchipped. It is an offence to keep a cat without a microchip and you may be fined. One of the main reasons for microchipping your cat is to increase the chances of being reunited, if it is lost or impounded.
• Providing adequate food and water, shelter, bedding, stimulus and a suitable living space for your pet.
• Ensuring your pet has an appropriate sized and adequately fenced enclosure, they cannot escape from.
• Your animal’s enclosure should always be clean and sanitary.
• Keeping your pet/s up to date for vaccinations and worming (this helps protect the whole family).
• De-sexing your pet/s.
• Ensuring your cats collar has bells and an identification tag, with correct phone numbers.
• Keeping your cat/s inside so they don’t have the opportunity to kill the local wildlife especially at night.
• Not allowing your pet to wander.
• Make sure your animal/s don’t create nuisance to neighbours or other community members.
• Cats do not need to be registered with Douglas Shire Council, if you move to another area check with the Local Council for cat registration requirements.

Protect native animals

The ABC reported in 2021 there are calls for Far North Queensland councils to follow the lead of the Greater City of Bendigo and other southern councils to introduce a cat curfew to protect native animals.

Key points:

• Cats kill 3.2 million mammals and 1.2 million birds on average each day in Australia.
• Victorian, South Australian and ACT councils have or are introducing cat curfews.
• There are calls for Far North Queensland councils to implement a similar policy.

The Victorian municipality unanimously voted for a cat curfew meaning some owners would have to keep their pets inside 24 hours a day to stop them from going outside of their property.

A cat curfew has been implemented in the Adelaide Hills district banning owners from letting their cats outside between 8pm and 7am.

And the ACT is introducing city-wide containment for all new cats.

FNQ Wildlife Rescue president Beau Peberdy said it was time that Far North Queensland councils took similar action.

“I think cat curfews and tougher laws should be introduced Australia-wide.

“I don't think there should be a curfew, but rather cats should be kept indoors or in adequate enclosures at their own homes at all times."

Cliff Mitting said: “In the last few years I’ve been away for long periods and lapsed on my efforts to persuade council to bring in a cat curfew, which hasn't been successful.

“There is a community on an island in southern Australia that has banned cats and those currently with a cat or two aren’t allowed to let them roam at night nor replace them.

“The Sherbrook Shire near Melbourne has a sub-tropical rain forest and years ago they implemented a cat curfew which has gone a long way to protecting the wildlife and eventually reducing the number of domestic cats going wild.”

Council says

Council added that it is the responsibility of the pet owner to contain your cat on your property at all times.

Cat enclosures are a great way for your cats to enjoy the outdoors while remaining safe and preventing them from wandering.

If there are any nuisance or feral cats in your area, please contact Council on 4099 9444.  

What about our K9s?

It is also interesting to note how dogs are treated in the shire.

According to Alan Crossman, Principal and Licensee, Property Shop Port Douglas and Mossman, whether pets are permitted is a decision of the owner if its a freehold property or the Body Corporate if it’s a strata titled property.

“With strata titled properties, common sense seems to apply. Cats and small dogs may be considered as OK, but not large dogs which would be impractical and not an ideal environment for a dog of that size anyway. Applications where a suitable pet is cited as a ‘companion’ tend to be approved.

“Generally we have not experienced any major issues on this matter.”