The cats will play

A very wise decision by Yarra Ranges Shire Council to introduce a cat curfew.
We have lived in the Dandenongs for nearly 20 years now and in that time have seen an increase in the number of cats allowed to roam free both day and night.
We moved here for the trees and wildlife and were disappointed to see domestic animals killing our wildlife.
Many times we have found the remains of dead birds and other wildlife.
I am aware that this carnage is not necessarily caused by cats but a certain percentage is.
Our sensor lights are frequently tripped by cats allowed to roam at night so this is a welcome decision.
Now, cat owners might boo hoo my comments but we have had two cats since we moved to the hills and they have never been allowed to roam, mainly due to our wise decision to install (at quite some expense, I might add) a comprehensive cat playground.
This allowed our two cats the freedom to go out and in at their leisure but at the same time prevented them from becoming a nuisance to our neighbours and, more importantly, protected both of them and the wildlife from each other.
The cats enjoyed this life for 18 years without any detrimental effect to either them or the wildlife.
There is an alternative for cat owners if they only do some research which will allow their cats the freedom of being outside without the problem of destroying the wildlife.
Google “cat playground” if you need more information.
They can be as expensive or as cheap as you want them to be.
We did not regret our decision to install one and neither did the cats.
S Pattison,
Upwey.