Corangamite Shire Council urges pet owners to keep their cats confined or face fines

Corangamite Shire is reminding residents to keep their cats under control and confined, as the threat housecats pose to native wildlife was reasserted on Wednesday.

Corangamite Shire Council environment and emergency manager Belinda Bennett released a statement this week that said cats lived longer, healthier lives when safely contained to the owner’s property.

“Roaming cats can get hit by cars, injured in fights, catch diseases or get lost,” she said.

“Cats are natural hunters and kill native wildlife, even if they’re well fed.

“They can also cause problems for your neighbours with noise, fighting, and digging in gardens.”

Bennett said neutering cats could also reduce their desire to roam and help prevent behavioural problems.

“Responsible cat ownership includes caring for your pet's welfare needs, registration and microchipping,” she said, urging locals to keep their cats at home to avoid fines and a trip to the pound.

“There are active feral cat trapping programs across the shire, so to both avoid a fine and ensure your pet is not collected wandering, please ensure it is contained to the property.”

The fine for allowing cats to wander is $83.

The council is offering discounts for concession card holders for cat desexing at participating vet clinics.

The program also covers the cost of microchipping and the first year of registration.

The four vet clinics in Corangamite Shire participating in this desexing program are Terang Veterinary Clinic, Hampden Veterinary Clinic at Cobden, Camperdown Veterinary Centre and The Vet Group at Timboon.