Council are receiving an increase of complaints about wandering cats around Horsham

The Community Safety Unit has had to increase its targeted patrols due to these reports.

All cats three months of age and over must be registered with the local council. Existing registrations must be renewed by 10 April each year.

Horsham council's director for communities and place Kevin O'Brien said the Community Safety Unit will be stringently enforcing the legislation due to the high amount of damage being caused, particularly to native wildlife.

IN THE NEWS:

"If a cat is found wandering and is not identified, it is seized and impounded and the owners usually have to pay a fine when reclaiming their cat from the council pound," Director Communities and Place Kevin O'Brien said.

"Microchipped pets found wandering as a first offence are often given more leniency, but the increase in cats at large in recent months has Council concerned.

"Cats are a major conservation problem, given the number of native species they attack and kill every single day, when they are wandering at large," he said.

In Horsham the curfew for cats means they must be restricted to the home after sunset and before dawn.

In regards to cat traps, there are permissible in the Horsham municipality only during cat curfew hours.

The Community Safety Unit is also issuing infringements for unregistered animals.

Under the Animal Welfare Act if your cat wanders onto another person's property more than once, it may be seized and impounded. Council can issue an order to stop your cat trespassing and if you don't comply you can be fined.

For properties in Horsham Rural City municipality the maximum number of animals permitted on land less than two hectares in area is two dogs and three cats.

If you live on more than two hectares in area you are permitted to have up to four dogs and four cats.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: