Cat traps

As of 1 July 2021, cat owners must keep their cat within their property's boundary from 6pm until 7am the next morning, or from 8:30pm until 7am the next morning during daylight savings.  For more information on cat curfew see our Cat Curfew Page.

Wandering nuisance cats can be a source of irritation for neighbours. If you have cats that are trespassing onto your property, the Domestic Animals Act 1994 states: "If a dog or cat has been present on private property on more than one occasion without the permission of the owner or occupier of the property, the owner or occupier of private property or an authorised officer may seize the dog or cat while it is present on the property."

If there is a cat that often enters your property, you can hire a cat trap from Council however, before doing so Council strongly encourages neighbours to discuss the issues of roaming cats with each other first, before undertaking any cat trapping. 

Traps can be hired from the Ballan and Darley Council offices, but are not available from the Lerderderg Library. 

Cat trapping may also be used for trapping feral cats. Cat traps are to be used to catch cats only. Traps are not permitted to be used to trap wildlife such as possums or foxes for any reason.

Please be aware that depending on the demand for cat traps, there may be a waiting list at times.

Traps must only be set on Sunday to Thursday nights during the cat curfew hours unless otherwise advised by our community safety team.

Phone

Step 1.Talk to the cat owner

  • If you know where the cat is coming from, have a talk with the cat owner.
  • The owner may not be aware their cat is being a nuisance, and this gives them the opportunity to do something about it. 
  • If you are not comfortable speaking with the owner, you can write a letter and drop in in their mail box.

Step 2.Contact us

  • If you are unsure of where the cat is coming from, or if the cat is still being a nuisance after speaking with the owner, contact us to discuss the situation with our community safety team, and whether hiring a cat trap is appropriate.
  • Phone us on 5366 7100

Step 3.Hire a cat trap

  • Book in a cat trap hire with our customer service team by calling 5366 7100.
  • You will need to complete a Cat Cage Hire Agreement form, available to download from this page.
  • Traps can only be collected from the Ballan or Darley offices, and not from Lerderderg Library

Email

Step 1.Talk to the cat owner

  • If you know where the cat is coming from, have a talk with the cat owner.
  • The owner may not be aware their cat is being a nuisance, and this gives them the opportunity to do something about it. 
  • If you are not comfortable speaking with the owner, you can write a letter and drop in in their mail box.

Step 2.Contact us

  • If you are unsure of where the cat is coming from, or if the cat is still being a nuisance after speaking with the owner, contact us to discuss the situation with our community safety team, and whether hiring a cat trap is appropriate.
  • Email us to info@moorabool.vic.gov.au

Step 3.Hire a cat trap

  • Book in a cat trap hire with our customer service team via email to info@moorabool.vic.gov.au
  • You will need to complete a Cat Cage Hire Agreement form, available to download from this page
  • Traps can only be collected from the Ballan or Darley offices, and not from Lerderderg Library

In person

Step 1.Talk to the cat owner

  • If you know where the cat is coming from, have a talk with the cat owner.
  • The owner may not be aware their cat is being a nuisance, and this gives them the opportunity to do something about it. 
  • If you are not comfortable speaking with the owner, you can write a letter and drop in in their mail box.

Step 2.Contact us

  • If you are unsure of where the cat is coming from, or if the cat is still being a nuisance after speaking with the owner, contact us to discuss the situation with our Community Safety team, and whether hiring a cat trap is appropriate.
  • The quickest way to speak with a Community Safety team member is by calling 5366 7100

Step 3.Hire a cat trap

  • Book in a cat trap hire with our customer service team
  • You will need to complete a Cat Cage Hire Agreement form, available to download from this page.
  • Collect the trap from either the Ballan or Darley

Ballan Office
15 Stead Street, Ballan
Open: Monday-Friday 8.30am-5pm

Darley Civic and Community Hub
182 Halletts Way, Darley
Open: Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm

What to do once the cat is trapped

If the cat is injured or sick contact Council immediately on 5366 7100

  • The trapped cat must be taken to the Moorabool Shire Council Animal Pound the next day. The Animal Pound is located at 50 Osbourne Street, Maddingley. Trapped cats can be dropped off between 9.30am and 11.30am Monday to Friday only.
  • Outside of these hours must be discussed with the community safety team prior to trapping the cat.