Geelong Councillors have voted to introduce new rules which will make cat owners have their pets confined to their property 24-hours a day.
Council voted to implement the so-called cat curfew at its meeting on Tuesday night, with the measure to come into effect from November 1 this year.
Mayor Trent Sullivan had the deciding vote after Councillors were split 5-5 on the decision, opting to introduce the measure.
A report to the city found community feedback identified wandering cats as an important issue, impacting their neighbours, the environment and wildlife.
More than 61 per cent of locals supported an introduction of 24-hour confinement, meaning they have to stay on their owner’s premises at all times.
The report says the order aims to promote responsible pet ownership, and address the impact of cats on the environment.
It recommended Councillors adopt the revised cat confinement order, which allows cats to be out of their property only if its securely restrained.
The order will be reviewed a year after being introduced.
Council officers can issue fines of up to $288 to owners found to be breaking then curfew.
Surf Coast Shire has a 24-hour cat curfew, which was adopted in September last year.
