Cat curfews and containment rules in Australia, by council

Checked 5 November 2026 · every entry links to its source

There is no national cat curfew. The rules are set by states and councils, and they are changing fast. We found 74 councils and areas that already keep cats home (45 around the clock, 29 overnight), and 11 more with a rule adopted but not yet in force. Search your council below.

Darker = more councils with a home curfew or containment rule. Tap a state to filter.

Showing 133 of 133 councils and areas

ACT (territory-wide)
ACT
24-hour containment
When
At all times: the cat must be kept on its keeper's or carer's premises (a building, vehicle, cat cage, backyard or courtyard it can't escape from). A leash and harness is allowed.
Applies to
Every cat in the ACT born on or after 1 July 2022. Cats registered before 1 July 2022, or with documents showing they were born before then, are exempt outside declared areas.
Since
1 Jul 2022
Penalty
Max 10 penalty units, strict liability (Domestic Animals Act 2000 s 84AO(2))
Also stated on https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/pets-and-wildlife/domestic-animals/cats/cat-containment
Source
Belconnen — Lawson
ACT
Part of the council
When
24 hours
Applies to
All cats
Since
16 Nov 2011
Penalty
Max 10 penalty units
Source
Belconnen — Macnamara
ACT
Part of the council
When
24 hours
Applies to
All cats
Since
19 Sep 2018
Penalty
Max 10 penalty units
Source
Belconnen — Strathnairn
ACT
Part of the council
When
24 hours
Applies to
All cats
Since
19 Sep 2018
Penalty
Max 10 penalty units
Source
Gungahlin — Bonner
ACT
Part of the council
When
24 hours
Applies to
All cats
Since
18 Feb 2005
Penalty
Max 10 penalty units
Source
Gungahlin — Crace
ACT
Part of the council
When
24 hours
Applies to
All cats
Since
16 Nov 2011
Penalty
Max 10 penalty units
Source
Gungahlin — Forde
ACT
Part of the council
When
24 hours
Applies to
All cats
Since
18 Feb 2005
Penalty
Max 10 penalty units
Source
Gungahlin — Gungahlin Town Centre (east)
ACT
Part of the council
When
24 hours
Applies to
All cats in the mapped eastern part of the Gungahlin division
Since
19 Sep 2018
Penalty
Max 10 penalty units
Only part of the suburb, shown on a map schedule
Source
Gungahlin — Jacka
ACT
Part of the council
When
24 hours
Applies to
All cats
Since
1 Jan 2017
Penalty
Max 10 penalty units
Declared in DI2015-11. Clause 4 (Jacka) commenced 1 Jan 2017.
Source
Gungahlin — Moncrieff
ACT
Part of the council
When
24 hours
Applies to
All cats
Since
18 Mar 2015
Penalty
Max 10 penalty units
Source
Gungahlin — Taylor
ACT
Part of the council
When
24 hours
Applies to
All cats
Since
20 Sep 2017
Penalty
Max 10 penalty units
Source
Gungahlin — Throsby
ACT
Part of the council
When
24 hours
Applies to
All cats
Since
5 Aug 2015
Penalty
Max 10 penalty units
Source
Molonglo Valley — Coombs
ACT
Part of the council
When
24 hours
Applies to
All cats
Since
16 Nov 2011
Penalty
Max 10 penalty units
Source
Molonglo Valley — Denman Prospect
ACT
Part of the council
When
24 hours
Applies to
All cats
Since
29 Nov 2012
Penalty
Max 10 penalty units
Source
Molonglo Valley — Molonglo
ACT
Part of the council
When
24 hours
Applies to
All cats
Since
29 Nov 2012
Penalty
Max 10 penalty units
Source
Molonglo Valley — Whitlam
ACT
Part of the council
When
24 hours
Applies to
All cats
Since
31 Jul 2019
Penalty
Max 10 penalty units
Source
Molonglo Valley — Wright
ACT
Part of the council
When
24 hours
Applies to
All cats
Since
16 Nov 2011
Penalty
Max 10 penalty units
Source
North Canberra — The Fair at Watson
ACT
Part of the council
When
24 hours
Applies to
All cats in 'The Fair' development (first described as Block 16 Section 75 Watson)
Since
16 Nov 2011
Penalty
Max 10 penalty units
Only part of the suburb Watson
Source
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional — urban areas (new cats)
NSW
24-hour containment
When
24h, 7 days
Applies to
All cats in QPRC urban areas born on or after 1 March 2025
Since
1 Jul 2025
Penalty
s 124 LG Act order / nuisance cat order
Urban areas are defined by maps in Appendix Two
Source
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional — named estates
NSW
Part of the council
When
24h, 7 days ('kept within the boundary of the property')
Applies to
All cats in Jumping Creek, Googong Sunset, Elm Grove (North Elmslea), Braidwood Ridge, South Jerrabomberra (Tralee), Googong Neighbourhoods 2 (stages 11-16d), 3, 4 and 5, and all future greenfield developments
Since
26 May 2021
Penalty
Enforced through s 124 Local Government Act orders. Repeat roaming can lead to a nuisance-cat declaration and fines (nuisance order breach $165).
Council policy (adopted 12 Feb 2025, res. 634/25). It relies on LG Act s 124, which the Biodiversity Council disputes.
Source
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional — rest of Googong Township
NSW
Part of the council
When
24 hours
Applies to
All cats in Googong Neighbourhoods 1A, 1B and 2 (stages 1-10)
Since
26 May 2026
Penalty
s 124 LG Act order / nuisance cat order
Source
City of Ryde
NSW
Banned from reserves
When
Cats banned at all times inside the WPAs
Applies to
Field of Mars Reserve (Category 1); Terrys Creek corridor (Forrester, Forsyth, Pembroke, Lucknow, Somerset Parks) and Kittys Creek corridor (Pryor Park, Portius Park, Kittys Creek Reserve) (Category 2)
Since
2019
Consultation in 2019, resolution 27 Aug 2019 (published 4 Sep), brochure dated Nov 2019.
Source
Georges River
NSW
Banned from reserves
When
Cats banned at all times inside the WPAs
Applies to
19 Category 2 WPAs in council bushland reserves
Penalty
'Fines apply'; amount not stated
Policy document dated March 2026; declaration date not stated
Source
Hunters Hill
NSW
Banned from reserves
When
Cats banned inside the WPAs
Applies to
Boronia Park and Buffalo Creek Reserve
Penalty
Caution first; repeat failure up to $880
Source
Lane Cove
NSW
Banned from reserves
When
Cats banned at all times inside the WPAs
Applies to
All bushland reserves in Lane Cove
Council can remove stray cats found in WPAs
Source
North Sydney
NSW
Banned from reserves
When
Cats banned from WPA bushland
Applies to
Bushland in Tunks Park; Gore Cove Reserve and Smoothey Park; Balls Head Reserve; Badangi Reserve; Folly Point and Primrose Park
Penalty
Up to $880 under CA Act s 30 (council page)
Council traps cats in these areas
Source
Northern Beaches
NSW
Banned from reserves
When
Cats banned at all times inside the WPAs
Applies to
10 Category 1 WPAs (no cats or dogs; e.g. Bangalley Headland, Dee Why Lagoon, Warriewood Wetlands) and 40 Category 2 WPAs (no cats; e.g. Manly Dam, Stony Range, Long Reef Headland)
Penalty
Penalty under the CA Act; amount not stated
Wildlife Protection Areas under CA Act s 30(1)(b)
Source
Sydney Olympic Park Authority (state agency, not a council)
NSW
Banned from reserves
When
All cats banned in the declared WPAs
Applies to
Land shaded on SOPA drawing 001-GG-0283
Penalty
Fines possible under s 30(2), considered after more than one occasion
Declared under CA Act s 30(1)(b); cats can be trapped and impounded
Source
Tweed Shire
NSW
Banned from reserves
When
Cats banned inside the WPAs
Applies to
Koala Beach, Pottsville Environment Park, Pottsville Wetland (south)
Since
2018
Penalty
$180 (cat in a WPA)
WPA policy adopted 16 Nov 2017
Source
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional — all urban cats
NSW
Coming soon
When
24h, 7 days
Applies to
All cats in QPRC urban areas, whatever their age
Starts
1 Jan 2027
Penalty
s 124 LG Act order / nuisance cat order
Adopted but not yet in force. A 2026 amendment adding Greenleigh was on exhibition 13 Jul-10 Aug 2026 (yourvoice.qprc.nsw.gov.au/2026-cat-containment-policy-urban-areas).
Source
Alice Springs Town Council
NT
24-hour containment
When
An animal must not be 'at large', meaning away from its premises and not under effective control. There is no curfew.
Applies to
All animals, including cats. By-law 76 'containment at premises' applies only to declared dogs.
Since
2008
Penalty
Animal at large: infringement 5 PU; general max 30 PU
Alice Springs (Animal Management) By-laws 2008, by-law 104, amended 2014. Council may declare animal restriction areas prohibiting cats (by-law 16), but none are listed.
Source
City of Darwin
NT
24-hour containment
When
At all times. On the premises the cat must be 'properly contained': in a building, fenced yard or run it can't escape, or leashed. Off the premises it must be under effective control on a leash of 2 m or less.
Applies to
All cats, citywide. In declared special cat control areas (Lee Point, Muirhead North) cats must be kept inside a building or an enclosed cat run.
Since
2 Oct 2023
Penalty
Max 50 penalty units; infringement 2 PU ($388, by-law 47). Special cat control area breach $388.
City of Darwin By-laws 2023 (in force at 10 Feb 2026), by-laws 47, 48 and 52. Infringement amounts are from darwin.nt.gov.au/resident-services/pets/dog-cat-management/animal-by-laws-and-infringement-offences.
Source
City of Palmerston
NT
24-hour containment
When
At all times. On the premises the cat must be properly contained inside a building, enclosed run or other escape-proof structure. Outside the premises it must be under effective control (leash).
Applies to
All cats, citywide
Since
1 Jul 2024
Penalty
By-law 13: max 20 PU, infringement 2 PU. By-law 14: max 20 PU, infringement 1 PU.
City of Palmerston (Animal Management) By-laws 2024. Cat registration has been compulsory since 1 Sep 2024; limit of 2 cats without a licence.
Source
Brisbane City Council
QLD
24-hour containment
When
At all times. The keeper must ensure the animal does not wander at large off the land where it is kept, unless under effective control.
Applies to
All animals, including cats, citywide
Since
1 Jul 2018
Penalty
Max 20 penalty units (s27(1) fail to maintain an enclosure; s27(3) animal wandering at large)
Animals Local Law 2017 s27. This is a general animal duty, not a cat-specific rule.
Source
City of Gold Coast
QLD
24-hour containment
When
Cat must be 'safely contained to your property at all times'
Applies to
All cats, citywide
Penalty
Fines apply; amount not stated on the page
Limit of 2 cats without a permit.
Source
City of Moreton Bay
QLD
24-hour containment
When
'All domestic animals, including cats, must be kept on their own property and prevented from wandering or escaping'
Applies to
All animals, including cats, citywide
Penalty
Council fine plus impound release fee; amounts not stated
Animal Management Local Law 2023 s48. The explanatory notes say the wandering offence penalises owners who don't keep cats within the property boundary.
Source
Douglas Shire Council
QLD
24-hour containment
When
At all times. The owner must keep a proper enclosure and ensure the animal is not wandering at large. No cat may be kept in a Conservation Zone.
Applies to
All animals, including cats, shire-wide. Keeping any cat over 12 weeks is prohibited in Conservation Zones (north of the Kimberley Range). Cats are also banned from listed public places such as Four Mile Beach and the cemetery reserves.
Since
2020
Penalty
Max 20 penalty units (s14(1) and s14(3))
Prohibitions are in Subordinate Local Law No. 2 (2020), Schedules 6 and 'prohibited keeping'. The council cats page confirms: 'if you live in a Conservation Planning area you cannot own or keep a cat'.
Source
Logan City Council
QLD
24-hour containment
When
'Cats living in the City of Logan must be contained within their property boundary'
Applies to
All cats, citywide. Cats may go out on a harness or in a carrier.
Enclosures must stop escape over, under or through the boundary.
Source
Mareeba Shire Council
QLD
24-hour containment
When
It is an offence 'to allow cats to wander onto public or other private property'. Night confinement is encouraged only.
Applies to
All cats, shire-wide
There is no legal night curfew; the council 'encourages' confining cats at night.
Source
Noosa Shire Council
QLD
24-hour containment
When
Cats must be 'contained to their property and not permitted to stray from the property'
Applies to
All cats, shire-wide. Cats may be walked on a lead.
Local Law No. 2 (Animal Management) 2015; limit of 2 cats per property.
Source
Redland City Council
QLD
24-hour containment
When
'Contain your dog or cat securely on your premises'
Applies to
All cats and dogs, citywide
Local Law 2 (Animal Management). The page lists no fine amounts.
Source
Rockhampton Regional Council
QLD
24-hour containment
When
'Contained at all times - cats are not allowed to roam off your property'
Applies to
All cats, region-wide
Source
Sunshine Coast Council
QLD
24-hour containment
When
'Keep your cat contained at all times - cats are not allowed to roam off your property'
Applies to
All cats, council-wide
Source
Toowoomba Regional Council
QLD
24-hour containment
When
'Confine your cat to your property at all times'
Applies to
All cats, region-wide
The page points to Subordinate Local Law 1.5 (Keeping of Animals) 2011 and SLL 2 (Animal Management) 2011.
Source
Western Downs Regional Council
QLD
24-hour containment
When
Areas where cats are kept must be fenced so cats stay on the land at all times; the fencing standard is cat-proof (roofed or caged, with dig barrier)
Applies to
All cats, region-wide
Fact sheet dated 03/06/2020: 'Duty to provide proper enclosure to prevent wandering'.
Source
Adelaide Hills Council
SA
24-hour containment
When
At all times
Applies to
All cats; must stay on owner's premises unless on a leash or similar restraint (By-law No. 6 Cats 2018)
Since
1 Jan 2022
Penalty
$312.50 fine per breach
Also a 2-cat limit without permission
Source
Alexandrina Council
SA
24-hour containment
When
At all times unless the owner is close by and supervising
Applies to
Cats born on/after 1 Jan 2024
Since
1 Jan 2024
Cats By-law No. 6 of 2023 (adopted 21 Aug 2023; expected in operation ~28 Dec 2023)
Source
Campbelltown City Council
SA
24-hour containment
When
At all times
Applies to
All domestic cats
Since
1 Jan 2024
By-law commenced 1 Jun 2023 with a 7-month transition. An earlier timed-roaming version was disallowed in 2023.
Source
City of Mitcham
SA
24-hour containment
When
At all times (cats may go outside but must stay on the property)
Applies to
Cats born or registered on/after 1 Jan 2024; older cats exempt but nuisance clause applies
Since
1 Jan 2024
Source
City of Victor Harbor
SA
24-hour containment
When
Must not wander at large (off premises without occupier consent or physical restraint)
Applies to
Cats born after 1 Jan 2024; offence applies from 1 Jan 2025
Since
1 Jan 2025
Cats By-law 2023, made 24 Jul 2023
Source
District Council of Peterborough
SA
24-hour containment
When
Owner must not allow cat to wander at large
Applies to
All cats (Cat By-Law No 6 of 2018)
Penalty
$215 expiation (cat wandering at large)
Source
District Council of Yankalilla
SA
24-hour containment
When
Cats not permitted to wander at large
Applies to
All cats (By-law No. 7 Cats 2024)
Source
Kangaroo Island Council
SA
24-hour containment
When
At all times
Applies to
All cats of any age; must be effectively confined to the premises unless physically restrained (cl. 9)
Cats By-law 2024 (No. 6 of 2024), expires 1 Jan 2032. Also controls cats brought onto the island.
Source
Mount Barker District Council
SA
24-hour containment
When
24/7 for cats born on/after 1 Jan 2025; 8pm-7am curfew for cats born before then
Applies to
All cats (two tiers by birth date)
Since
Jan 2025
Penalty
$182 expiation for breach of Cat By-law (per Apr 2025 FAQ snapshot)
The 8pm-7am curfew dates from Jan 2020; the revised by-law took effect Jan 2025.
Source
City of Marion
SA
Night curfew
When
8pm-7am daily
Applies to
All cats; must be confined at the property or under physical restraint (By-law No. 6 Cats)
Since
1 Jan 2023
Max 2 desexed cats without approval
Source
City of Tea Tree Gully
SA
Night curfew
When
10pm-6am
Applies to
Cats over 3 months (By-law No. 7 of 2024, Cats By-law 2024)
Since
31 Jul 2025
Hours come from the draft, which Council adopted unchanged (8 Apr 2025). Gazette 17 Apr 2025 sets commencement at 31 Jul 2025; the council page said 17 Aug 2025.
Source
The Flinders Ranges Council
SA
Night curfew
When
9pm-7am daily
Applies to
All cats of any age, unless physically restrained
By-law 6 (Cats).
Source
City of Mount Gambier
SA
Coming soon
When
None yet; by-law allows future containment such as curfews
Applies to
Cats By-Law No. 6 (2025): registration, 2-cat limit, nuisance incl. wandering onto premises
Starts
1 Jan 2026
By-law in force 1 Jan 2026 but no curfew yet
Source
City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters
SA
Coming soon
When
Containment at all times (cl. 9), not yet activated
Applies to
If activated: only cats born on/after 1 Jan 2026
Cats By-law 7 made 4 Aug 2025 with cat limits and nuisance rules; containment and registration need a later Council resolution
Source
Wattle Range Council
SA
Coming soon
When
Draft: cats must be confined to the owner's property
Applies to
Draft cat by-law (also 3-cat cap, ID and registration)
In-principle support Apr 2026; draft consultation closed 13 Jul 2026
Source
Kingborough Council (Bruny Island)
TAS
24-hour containment
When
Cats 'must not stray from an owner's property'; the state discussion paper describes this as 24-hour containment
Applies to
Bruny Island only: cat owners who live on or regularly visit Bruny with their cat. Not the rest of Kingborough.
Since
2018
Bruny Island Cat By-law 2018 also requires free registration and caps cats at 2 per household without a permit.
Source
Bass Coast Shire Council
VIC
24-hour containment
When
24 hours
Applies to
all cats
Since
1 Jul 2023
Penalty
$192 fine plus pound release fees
Source (news report)
Baw Baw Shire Council
VIC
24-hour containment
When
24 hours
Applies to
all cats
Order under Community Local Law 2024
Source
City of Casey
VIC
24-hour containment
When
24 hours
Applies to
all cats
Order under the Domestic Animals Act: cats confined to owner's property at all times, day and night
Source
City of Greater Bendigo
VIC
24-hour containment
When
24 hours
Applies to
all cats
Since
1 Jul 2024
Penalty
Penalty under the Domestic Animals Act (amount not stated)
Replaced an earlier sunset-to-sunrise order
Source
City of Whittlesea
VIC
24-hour containment
When
24 hours
Applies to
all cats
Since
1 Aug 2023
Mandatory desexing of newly registered cats from the same date (news report).
Source (news report)
Greater Shepparton City Council
VIC
24-hour containment
When
24 hours
Applies to
all cats
Council news release (May 2024)
Source
Indigo Shire Council
VIC
24-hour containment
When
24 hours
Applies to
all cats
Since
1 May 2024
Adopted 31 Oct 2023; enforceable after a six-month grace period
Source
Knox City Council
VIC
24-hour containment
When
24 hours
Applies to
all cats
Since
10 Apr 2022
Source
Manningham City Council
VIC
24-hour containment
When
24 hours
Applies to
all cats
Source is Nillumbik Council's page, which names Manningham as a 24/7 council; The rule began as a pilot order
Source
Mornington Peninsula Shire
VIC
24-hour containment
When
24 hours
Applies to
all cats
Penalty
Infringement (indexed annually); notices to comply or prosecution possible
Source
Mount Alexander Shire Council
VIC
24-hour containment
When
24 hours
Applies to
all cats
Since
2026
Penalty
$92 first offence; up to 3 penalty units for repeat offences
Adopted April 2026, replacing a sunset-to-sunrise curfew; infringements from 21 Oct
Source
Nillumbik Shire Council
VIC
24-hour containment
When
24 hours
Applies to
all cats
Feb 2026 article: a two-year, education-focused transition period is in place
Source
South Gippsland Shire Council
VIC
24-hour containment
When
24 hours
Applies to
all cats
Jan 2019 news report of a curfew 'from April 1 next year'; no council page found
Source (news report)
Surf Coast Shire
VIC
24-hour containment
When
24 hours
Applies to
all cats
Penalty
1 penalty unit first offence; 3 penalty units further offences
Source
Swan Hill Rural City Council
VIC
24-hour containment
When
24 hours
Applies to
all cats
Since
1 Jan 2025
Penalty
No infringements during the grace period to 30 Jun 2025
Enforcement from 1 Jul 2025
Source
Wellington Shire Council
VIC
24-hour containment
When
24 hours
Applies to
all cats (including on large rural properties)
Since
2023
Penalty
$192 first offence; $577 second or subsequent
Order made 20 Dec 2022, advertised 19 Jan 2023
Source
Wyndham City Council
VIC
24-hour containment
When
24 hours
Applies to
all cats
Since
1 Jan 2026
Penalty
Infringements from December 2026 (cautions and warnings only before then)
The previous 10pm–6am curfew is still enforced during the transition
Source
Yarra Ranges Council
VIC
24-hour containment
When
24 hours
Applies to
all cats
Since
31 Jul 2026
New Order 2025 (published in Gazette 25 Jun 2026) restates the 24/7 rule; the curfew first began 1 Oct 2014
Source
Banyule City Council
VIC
Night curfew
When
7pm–7am
Applies to
all cats
Council page says the curfew applies throughout Banyule until 31 January 2027
Source
Bayside City Council
VIC
Night curfew
When
6pm–6am (9pm–6am during daylight saving)
Applies to
all cats
Since
2010
Warnings or notices to comply come first; infringements only after other avenues
Source
Borough of Queenscliffe
VIC
Night curfew
When
8pm–6am (9pm–6am in daylight saving)
Applies to
all cats
Source
City of Ballarat
VIC
Night curfew
When
sunset to sunrise
Applies to
all cats
Since
2009
Source
City of Greater Dandenong
VIC
Night curfew
When
dusk to dawn
Applies to
all cats
Since
10 Apr 2024
Penalty
Warning for a first instance; impound reclaim fee; further enforcement possible
Start date is when enforcement began
Source
City of Greater Geelong
VIC
Night curfew
When
sunset to sunrise
Applies to
all cats
Since
1 Jul 2009
Council rescinded a proposed 24-hour order in May 2024
Source
City of Kingston
VIC
Night curfew
When
dusk to dawn
Applies to
all cats
A 24-hour curfew was under consideration in the 2026–29 animal management plan review.
Source (news report)
City of Melbourne
VIC
Night curfew
When
6pm–8am
Applies to
all cats
Since
1 Oct 2025
Order published in Gazette G39, 25 Sep 2025; also bars cats from listed parks and waterways unless under control
Source
City of Monash
VIC
Night curfew
When
sunset or 7pm (whichever is later) to sunrise
Applies to
all cats
Source
City of Port Phillip
VIC
Night curfew
When
sunset to sunrise
Applies to
all cats
Order No. 5, published in Gazette S470, 29 Aug 2025.
Source
City of Whitehorse
VIC
Night curfew
When
8pm–6am
Applies to
all cats
Cat Confinement Order No. 9
Source
City of Wodonga
VIC
Night curfew
When
7pm–7am
Applies to
all cats
Penalty
Fines may apply (amount not stated)
Source
Colac Otway Shire
VIC
Night curfew
When
sunset to sunrise (7pm–7am)
Applies to
all cats
Since
1 Nov 2023
Cat Confinement Order No. 1 approved 1 Nov 2023; animal management plan 2025–29 proposes extending it to 24h
Source
Darebin City Council
VIC
Night curfew
When
7pm–7am
Applies to
all cats
Penalty
Penalties may apply (amount not stated)
Source
Frankston City Council
VIC
Night curfew
When
dusk to dawn
Applies to
all cats
A 24-hour curfew is proposed in the draft 2026–29 animal management plan.
Source
Glenelg Shire Council
VIC
Night curfew
When
7pm–7am
Applies to
all cats
Source
Hepburn Shire Council
VIC
Night curfew
When
sunset to sunrise (6:30pm–6:30am; 8:30pm–6:30am in daylight saving)
Applies to
all cats
Since
1 Jul 2023
Published in the Gazette April 2023
Source
Horsham Rural City Council
VIC
Night curfew
When
sunset to sunrise
Applies to
all cats
Source
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
VIC
Night curfew
When
sunset to sunrise
Applies to
all cats
Since
1 Jul 2020
Third-party copy of the council's ShireLife newsletter; Dec 2025 news says planned 24h containment is delayed to 2029
Source
Maribyrnong City Council
VIC
Night curfew
When
7pm–7am
Applies to
all cats
Since
1 Jul 2026
Source
Maroondah City Council
VIC
Night curfew
When
sunset to sunrise
Applies to
all cats
Penalty
Release fee if impounded; separate fines may apply
Made under Council local law
Source
Mitchell Shire Council
VIC
Night curfew
When
sunset to sunrise
Applies to
all cats
Since
2019
Adopted July 2019
Source
Moorabool Shire Council
VIC
Night curfew
When
sunset to sunrise
Applies to
all cats
News report (Jun 2023) says Moorabool recently introduced a night curfew; the council curfew page now redirects elsewhere
Source (news report)
Southern Grampians Shire Council
VIC
Night curfew
When
sunset to sunrise
Applies to
all cats
Penalty
Fines may apply (amount not stated)
Source
Warrnambool City Council
VIC
Night curfew
When
sunset to sunrise
Applies to
all cats
Local Law 2 cl.33
Source
Yarra City Council
VIC
Night curfew
When
7pm–7am
Applies to
all cats
Since
1 Jan 2024
Source
Hindmarsh Shire Council
VIC
Part of the council
When
dusk to dawn
Applies to
cats in residential areas
Municipal Local Law makes it an offence for a cat to roam at large dusk to dawn in a residential area
Source
Pyrenees Shire Council
VIC
Part of the council
When
sunset to sunrise
Applies to
cats in township zones only
Night confinement within township zones
Source
Alpine Shire Council
VIC
Coming soon
When
24 hours
Applies to
all cats
Starts
1 Jul 2027
Adopted in animal management plan 2026–29 (June 2026)
Source
Brimbank City Council
VIC
Coming soon
When
24 hours
Applies to
all cats
Starts
1 Jan 2028
Cat Containment Initiative in the adopted animal management plan 2026–29
Source
City of Boroondara
VIC
Coming soon
When
night-time (exact hours not yet published)
Applies to
cats registered from 10 April 2027 (cats registered on or before 9 April 2027 exempt while registration current)
Starts
10 Apr 2027
Cat control order adopted at Council meeting 27 July 2026
Source
Glen Eira City Council
VIC
Coming soon
When
7pm–6am
Applies to
all cats
Starts
2026
Adopted 5 Nov 2025; council says it takes effect 'late 2026' with no exact date; 12-month education-first transition
Source
Merri-bek City Council
VIC
Coming soon
When
7pm–7am (24 hours for cats first registered after 1 April 2027)
Applies to
cats registered before 1 April 2027: night curfew; cats first registered after: 24h containment
Starts
1 Apr 2027
Penalty
Penalties may apply (amount not stated); education first
Hybrid model
Source
City of Armadale
WA
Banned from reserves
When
At all times
Applies to
All bushland-containing reserves managed or owned by the City
Since
5 Feb 2025
Penalty
$200 infringement; cat may be impounded
Cat Local Law 2024; 4-cat limit
Source
City of Bayswater
WA
Banned from reserves
When
At all times
Applies to
Areas listed in the Keeping and Control of Cats Local Law 2022, incl. Maylands Lakes
Penalty
$250
The 2024 amendment (Northam-style clause; Brickworks Lake) was disallowed by the Legislative Council on 16 Sep 2025
Source
City of Fremantle
WA
Banned from reserves
When
At all times, unless written authorisation
Applies to
Areas listed in the Cat Management Local Law 2020
Penalty
$200
Consolidated with amendments of 22 Jun 2022 and 28 Jun 2023
Source
City of Kalamunda
WA
Banned from reserves
When
At any time, whether or not under effective control
Applies to
Reserves listed in Schedule 3 of the Keeping and Control of Cats Local Law 2023
Since
24 May 2023
Penalty
$500
Night confinement is recommended only, not required
Source
City of Kwinana
WA
Banned from reserves
When
At all times, unless written authorisation
Applies to
Areas listed in the Cat Local Law 2022
Since
2022
Penalty
$200
Gazetted 29 Mar 2022; amended 11 Oct 2022
Source
City of Mandurah
WA
Banned from reserves
When
At all times
Applies to
Marlee Reserve (Parklands), Fairy Tern Sanctuary (Breakwater Pde), Dawesville Reserve, Warrungup Spring Reserve (W side of Estuary Rd)
Cat Local Law 2019. ABC 2019 reported $200 fines for cats in prohibited reserves (pre-adoption).
Source
City of Melville
WA
Banned from reserves
When
At all times
Applies to
64 reserves and parks (e.g. Tompkins Park, Goolugatup Heathcote, Alfred Cove Nature Reserve, Centennial Park)
Since
25 Oct 2025
Penalty
$300 infringement
Cat Local Law 2025. After a parliamentary review, the council made a Cat Amendment Local Law 2026.
Source
City of Rockingham
WA
Banned from reserves
When
At any time
Applies to
Reserves and foreshores in Schedule 2 of the Cats Local Law 2018
Since
2019
Penalty
$200 modified penalty
Gazetted 18 Jan 2019; amended 9 Dec 2024
Source
City of South Perth
WA
Banned from reserves
When
At any time
Applies to
Areas in Schedule 1 of the Cats Local Law 2024; rangers may seize cats
Since
2024
Penalty
15 penalty units ($195 at $13/unit from 1 Jun 2024)
Gazetted 20 Nov 2024; Cats Amendment Local Law 2025 (JSCDL undertakings) in operation 27 Feb 2026
Source
City of Stirling
WA
Banned from reserves
When
At all times
Applies to
11 areas (e.g. Star Swamp, Trigg Bushland, Herdsman Lake, beach reserves) plus 200m Fauna Protection Buffer Zones where a permit is needed for 2+ cats
Keeping and Control of Cats Local Law 1999 still in force.
Source
City of Vincent
WA
Banned from reserves
When
At all times
Applies to
Bushland, parkland, wetlands and vegetation in five of Vincent's largest parks (Animal Local Law 2022)
Source
City of Wanneroo
WA
Banned from reserves
When
At all times
Applies to
Mapped cat prohibited areas in the Cats Local Law 2023
Since
2023
Gazetted 30 Nov 2023; amended 24 Sep 2024
Source
Shire of Augusta Margaret River
WA
Banned from reserves
When
At all times
Applies to
Areas in Schedule 3 of the Cat Local Law 2023
Penalty
$200
Law dated 16 Mar 2023; compilation effective 9 Feb 2024
Source
Shire of Dardanup
WA
Banned from reserves
When
At all times
Applies to
Areas designated as Cat Prohibited Areas under the Cats Local Law 2023
Penalty
$200
Adopted 22 Nov 2023; amended 2024
Source
Shire of Esperance
WA
Banned from reserves
When
At all times, unless written authorisation
Applies to
Cat prohibited areas in the Cat Local Law 2024
Since
2024
Penalty
$200
Resolved 27 Feb 2024; replaced the Cat Local Law 2022
Source
Shire of Manjimup
WA
Banned from reserves
When
At all times
Applies to
33 cat prohibited areas
Since
1 Oct 2020
Gazetted 17 Sep 2020
Source
Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
WA
Banned from reserves
When
At all times
Applies to
Shire bushland areas marked 'Prohibited' in Schedule 3 of the Cat Local Law 2023
Since
2024
Penalty
$200
Gazetted 23 Feb 2024; amended 18 Oct 2024
Source
Shire of Toodyay
WA
Banned from reserves
When
At all times
Applies to
Schedule 3 places incl. State conservation lands and formally designated wildlife/fauna protection areas
Since
6 Jul 2026
Penalty
$2,000 modified penalty; cat may be seized
Cat Local Law 2026
Source
Shire of Williams
WA
Banned from reserves
When
At any time, whether or not under effective control
Applies to
Prohibited areas in the Cats Local Law 2024
Since
8 Mar 2024
Penalty
$500 modified penalty
Gazetted 23 Feb 2024; in operation 14 days later
Source
City of Cockburn
WA
Coming soon
When
At all times in prohibited areas (once gazetted)
Applies to
More than 90 regional parks, conservation reserves and bushland areas; plus a cat nuisance provision
Penalty
Nuisance: $250, then $500 for later offences
Keeping of Animals Local Laws adopted May 2026, effective once gazetted (11 Jun 2026 response).
Source
City of Joondalup
WA
Coming soon
When
At all times in listed areas (proposed)
Applies to
Proposed Animals Local Law 2025 adds a list of cat prohibited areas and nuisance-cat rules
Penalty
Draft: $100 modified penalty (cat in prohibited area)
council cat page still cites the Animal Local Law 1999 (3 cats)
Source

What the rule types mean

24-hour containment: your cat must stay on your property at all times. A lead and harness or carrier is allowed off it.
Night curfew: your cat must be on your property overnight. Hours vary, so check the entry.
Part of the council: the rule applies only in named suburbs or zones, for example the ACT's declared suburbs or township zones.
Banned from reserves: cats are prohibited in listed bushland, wetlands or wildlife protection areas, but there is no home curfew. This is the main tool in WA and NSW.
Coming soon: adopted or announced by the council, with a start date ahead.

Getting ready for a curfew

Most rules only require the cat to stay on your property, so a cat-proof fence topper, a catio or a mesh run off a window is usually enough. Indoor-only cats need more enrichment, not less. See our guides to indoor vs outdoor cats, harness training and the rest of Australian cat ownership law (microchipping, desexing and registration).

Common questions

Is there a national cat curfew in Australia?

No. Cat containment is set by each state and, mostly, by local councils. The ACT is the only jurisdiction with a territory-wide rule, for cats born on or after 1 July 2022.

What is the difference between a cat curfew and cat containment?

A night curfew means your cat must be on your property overnight (the hours differ by council, often sunset to sunrise or 7pm to 7am). 24-hour containment means the cat must stay on your property at all times. Either way, a harness and lead or a carrier is normally allowed off the property.

Does my cat have to stay indoors?

Usually not. Most rules say the cat must stay on your property, not inside the house. A securely fenced yard, a catio or a cat-proof fence meets most councils' rules. A few areas, such as Darwin's special cat control areas, require a building or an enclosed cat run.

What happens if my cat breaks the curfew?

Most councils start with education and warnings. Repeat breaches can lead to infringement notices (fines we found for curfew breaches range from about $92 to $577) and the cat being impounded, with a release fee.

My council isn't listed. Does that mean there is no rule?

Usually, but not always. We list only rules we could confirm from a council page, by-law, gazette or law. Some councils we could not verify are listed in the gaps below. Check your council's website before assuming.

How we built this

Every entry comes from a source we opened: the council's own page, its by-law or local law, a government gazette, or the legislation. Where only a news report was available, the entry says so. Rules change often, so we re-check entries every week and update this page. This is general information, not legal advice; your council's current order is what counts.

Not yet confirmed: Cardinia, Latrobe and Benalla (VIC); Ipswich, Townsville, Cairns and Fraser Coast (QLD); Whyalla and Berri Barmera (SA); Narrogin (WA); Hornsby, Parramatta and Willoughby wildlife areas (NSW). Many smaller SA, WA and rural QLD councils have not been checked yet.

Spotted a change or a missing council? Tell us and we'll check it.