A nationwide scheme to cut Australia’s feral cat population and protect wildlife is being proposed by federal Labor.
It has drafted a cat abatement plan, proposing household limits and curfews for felines.
The final draft is expected to be released later this year, according to a report in the Age.
It will require state governments to work with the federal government to reduce the impact of cats on native wildlife.
The Surf Coast Shire introduced a 24-hour cat curfew almost 12-months ago, meaning moggies need to be confined to their owner’s property at all times.
It said at the time, it was likely to reduce a cat’s impact on neighbours and their pets, and wildlife.
Geelong councillors voted down a proposal in May to have a 24-hour cat curfew.
The city has maintained its existing confinement order to have felines inside between sunset and sunrise.
New data shows roaming pet cats kill more than 540 million animals each year.
Authorities believe there are over 5.6 million feral cats in Australia, killing more than two billion native animals.
