The DRRC tip is under construction and with weather conditions, may be closed or unable to take some materials. Please call ahead before you visit.
Taking care of your cat and follow cat ownership laws, including cat curfews.
Cats can make great companions and a wonderful addition to a family. Studies show that having a cat can have many physical and psychological benefits such as improving cardiovascular health and reducing stress and anxiety.
While there are many things that cats can do for their families, it is important that their family also takes care of them by providing them a safe and healthy environment and also by following laws cat ownership in Darebin(PDF, 162KB).
Visit Safe and Happy Cats for tips to help your cat live its best life at home.
In 2021, we introduced a night-time cat curfew (from 7pm to 7am). The curfew applies 7 days a week, year-round.
This means that residents must keep their cats confined within their property boundary during this time.
Read more details below, including how to install a cat enclosure or construct a cat proof fence.
Cats are most active at night, particularly at dusk and dawn. This coincides with the activity periods of many species of native wildlife. The City of Darebin is home to more than 179 species of significant plants and animals.
We work to protect and enhance remnant local native and indigenous vegetation and wildlife. Cats hunting other animals was an important driving factor when we decided to introduce a cat curfew.
Confining cats at night not only benefits wildlife. Benefits to cats and the community include:
During the curfew, your cat must not leave your property boundary. You may choose to supervise outside time or install cat proof fencing, netting or an enclosure. Other options for confinement during this time may be setting up a shed or keeping your cat inside.
There is no curfew during the day, however we recommend confining your cat within your property boundary during the day for its safety and the safety of our wildlife and to prevent it causing a nuisance to other residents.
Yes. All cats and dogs over the age of 3 months must be registered with their local Council – this is a requirement under Victorian law, as outlined in the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
Registration fees not only cover the cost of a collection and return service should your cat find itself lost. Your fee contributes to many other animal-related initiatives in your community such as:
Council Officers do not respond to reports of roaming cats during curfew hours and do not capture cats seen roaming in public.
If there is a cat (or several) that visit your property without your permission, check to see they are owned by your neighbours. Start with having a gentle and respectful conversation regarding the impacts of their cats wandering and responsibilities regarding cat ownership.
If the issue cannot be resolved this way, you can request a Council cat trap to contain any cats that trespasses on your property without your permission. Contact Council on 03 8470 8888 during business hours and a service request will be lodged with the Animal Management Team.
Although there is only an overnight cat curfew, Council does recommend that cats are confined within their property boundary at all times.
If your cat is outside normally during the curfew try changing their routine by:
If your cat is contained and is not identifiable or registered with us, it will be taken to the Wat Djerring Animal Facility located at 20 Companion Place, Epping. Release and registration fees will apply to collect your cat.
Penalties may also apply for breaching Council’s Cat Curfew Order.
The Animal Welfare Victoria website contains guides and diagrams to build cat enclosures and cat proof fences to suit many different types of homes and budgets. Check them out to get some ideas and see what might work for you and your feline friend.