We’ve got a new plan to protect the welfare and safety of all animals in our community.

Bayside’s Domestic Animal Management Plan 2022-26 (DAMP) was adopted by Council this week following extensive community consultation and sets out our activities, services and programs to support and encourage responsible dog and cat ownership over the next four years.

“The new DAMP will strengthen restrictions for cats to protect both their safety and native wildlife, and better support pet owners through education, promoting training, reviewing beach restrictions, and encouraging the early registration of puppies and kittens with discounts,” said Bayside Mayor Cr Alex del Porto.

Cats that are kept safely at home are at less risk of injury from cars, disease and other animals, and prevented from killing native wildlife.

Restrictions for cats will increase in stages from 1 January 2023, beginning with extending the existing night cat curfew to start earlier at 6pm – 6am outside of daylight-saving times, before moving to 24-hour cat containment in 2025/26.

Day and night cat containment will require owners to always keep their cats on their property and not allow them to roam. These increased restrictions are in line with the current requirements for dogs. There is no requirement for outdoor cat enclosures or escape proof fencing.

Council will support cat owners through this four-year transition period through education and partnerships, including a new pet-focussed community working group and the RSPCA.