Tensions flared at Wollongong Council last night during debate over a proposed cat curfew, with councillors divided over whether the issue belongs at the local level.
Greens councillor Deidre Stuart urged council to support changes to the Companion Animals Act, arguing tighter controls on cats are needed to protect wildlife, improve animal welfare and reduce the spread of cat-borne diseases.
She told the meeting roaming cats contribute to late night noise and the deaths of native animals, saying many residents are familiar with the sounds of cats fighting and wildlife being attacked.
The discussion became heated, with the Deputy Mayor at one point telling a councillor to sit down, as others questioned why a proposed state amendment was being raised at council.
Rather than backing the curfew outright, a majority of councillors supported an amendment calling for a report into Wollongong Council’s capacity to manage cats.
The issue remains unresolved, with the report due to be presented at a future council meeting.
