There has been an outpouring of fury on social media after a local council announced a controversial new measure, with some arguing it’s a step too far.
There has been an outpouring of fury on social media after a local council announced a controversial new measure, with some arguing it’s a step too far.
Bass Coast Shire Council, located east of Melbourne, announced it will introduce a 24/7 cat ban to stop the felines roaming the streets. From next July, residents will be fined $180 if their pets are busted outside of their properties.
Ali Wastie, Bass Coast Shire Council CEO said: “The best thing for cats is for them to be contained.
“We have penguins, we have an abundance of wildlife. The only way to keep our wildlife safe is to have these cats contained.”
While ecologist Dr Jim Radford said: “The average pet cat wandering unconstrained for 24 hours a day kills an average of 115 native animals per year.”
The news attracted a flurry of responses, including nearly 10,000 comments on 7 News’ Facebook page. While many supported the move, others were outraged at the “stupid” law.
Facebook commenter Ana wrote: “Australia, the most insane country in the world”.
Another, Al, agreed: “Australia is out of control with controlling its citizens”.
Ange concurred: “This country has lost the plot.”
Meanwhile, commenter Andrew called for a different approach: “Fairly draconian way … not impressed. A more positive action of assisting in desexing etc would be appropriate.”
Others thought the focus was on the wrong problem.
Roslyn wrote: “Cats aren’t the problem, thieves, drunks etc. cause much more carnage and damage than a cat. Put your energy and money into policing them.”
And some thought it best to ban cats altogether.
MiJulie said: “Should ban em all together. Completely destroying all of our native wildlife.”
Bass Coast Shire is far from the only council making such rules. Many local councils across Australia are serving up hefty fines residents in pockets of Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory who let their cats wander outside.
Fines can even reach up to $1600.
Information on how to transition cats from outside to inside can be found here.
Originally published as ‘Australia, the most insane country in the world’
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