Council’s consultation over cat curfew causes concern

A group of Yarra Ranges residents has organised a petition opposing the council’s new “cat curfew”, which requires owners to keep their cats confined to the owner’s property at all times. The council advertised the proposed changes in local newspapers and online, and gauged support through a web poll, but cat owners say they weren’t consulted. “Good luck with the 24-hour cat prison,” one resident wrote. “How about I lock up your children in my laundry all day?” The council says the curfew is intended to protect native wildlife in the area.