In the Knox City Council, in Melbourne, there are currently over 6,500 cats registered with Council, leading to over 600 cat-related jobs each year.

And their Council has taken matters into their own hands, endorsing a domestic animal management plan which includes, the need for owners to keep their cats on their premises at all times, a 24-hour curfew.

In response to the step, the Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison said the council's policies aim to remove unwanted cats from the region, with the Domestic Animal Management Plan to be review later in the year.

"Council has received 115 calls relating to cat issues in the last financial year, resulting in 107 cats being impounded. Many of the complaints were due to feral animal sightings or abandoned kittens," he said.

"Council aims to rid the problem of unwanted cats and promote responsible cat ownership by ensuring residents comply to ARCC's local laws and that we continue using trapping programs to reduce non-domestic cat colonies across our region.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"Council aims to keep Ararat a pet-friendly community by ensuring pets do not become a nuisance to neighbours, destroy wildlife or endanger themselves.

"Council will review the Domestic Animal Management Plan towards the end of the year."

Several Ararat residents have shared their thoughts with the Ararat Advertiser about the issue.

Caroline Todd said she thinks the Ararat Rural City Council should look at using measures of their own to solve the issue.

"I believe the ARCC must address the cat problem by adopting the same, or similar measures to Knox City Council," she said.

Jessie, who is the owner of a cat, said the curfew should be imposed to help cats look after themselves.

"My cat is allowed out during the day and only when we're home," she said.

"The number of cats I see on the road that have been hit and killed because owners seem to think they're 'fine' at night is ridiculous

"They're not, they're just as vulnerable as dogs and small children. I've rescued and returned many a cat that I've nearly hit at night.

READ MORE:

"There's really no excuse for it, and that's without delving into the danger they pose to wildlife."

Dr Harrison said council encouraged residents to do their part and keep their cats contained to their property.

"Roaming cats can spread diseases, injure wildlife and cause damage to property," he said.

"Council can issue fines for animals found wandering during the day ($300) and at night ($400). Penalties for not registering your pet is $400 and the release fee for impounded animals is $128.

"Owners looking to make a change should explore cat proof fencing or installing enclosures as an alternative."

More information on current policies can be found on the ARCC website.

Have your say - contact editorial@araratadvertiser.com.au

If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Ararat Advertiser, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ararat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.