The Domestic Animals Act 1994 (DAA) allows Councils, by resolution, to make orders under sections 25 and 26 of the Act.
New Domestic Animals Act Orders
The Council’s decision means that all cats must be securely confined to their owners property 24 hours a day and dogs can only be off leash in designated off leash public areas within the municipality.
Cats
Section 25 of the DAA refers to cats found at large.
This section allows Victorian Councils to make an order that specifies where cats are permitted during what hours. It also provides the penalty if cats are found at large.
Currently in Greater Bendigo, there is an order in place that requires cats to be secured to the owner’s property from sunset to sunrise. The new order, when it comes into effect on July 1, 2024 will require cats to be securely confined to the owner’s property at all times.