Breaking News
Wilton open to night ban for cats
PAUL TATNELL
Wednesday 7 May, 2008 5:01pm
NORTH Sydney Council won't consider a ban on cats between dusk and dawn unless residents campaign for one.
But Mosman Mayor Denise Wilton says she likes the idea of forcing owners to keep their cats inside at night.
"Personally I would totally support (a curfew) but it hasn't crossed my mind to bring it to council and I would have to think about it more," she said.
"I really believe they (cats) should be kept in at night and I do think cats are very destructive."
The idea also has the backing of the RSPCA.
But Mosman Veterinary Hospital director Rachele Lowe said local cat owners were already acting responsibly.
"We generally feel that there is not such a need for an enforceable cat curfew in the Mosman area," she said.
"We encourage our clients and feel they are sufficiently responsible to see the advantages of keeping their cats under close supervision, especially at night, from an early age."
Dr Lowe said most local owners knew their cat's health benefited from being kept inside.
"The advantages include fewer injuries from territorial fighting ... and reduced risk of motor vehicle accidents," she said. "Parasites such as worms and fleas also spread more easily (at night). Wildlife, in particular bird life, is at risk from hunting by some cats." North Sydney Mayor Genia McCaffery said she would only consider a ban if there was strong support in the community.
Cr McCaffery said she had no opinion on the matter. "I think it would have to come from the community and for them to ask for us to look at it," Cr McCaffery said. The mayors' comments follow moves by several Victorian councils to ban cats being outside between dusk and dawn. The bans, which are backed by the RSPCA, are designed to protect wildlife.
