We proposed changing the current ‘sunset and sunrise’ cat curfew in Frankston City to a 24-hour cat curfew.

WE HEARD:

59% of engagement participants support a 24-hour curfew

Main reasons for support:

• Protection of wildlife
• Preventing cat nuisance
• Keeping cats safe

37% do not support a 24-hour curfew

Main reasons for not supporting:

• Concerns about cat health and wellbeing
• Cost and resident ability to keep cats indoors
• May increase cat abandonments

We proposed to develop a Dogs in Public Places Policy.

WE HEARD:

The most important issues our community want addressed in the Policy are:

1. Identifying which areas are suitable as dog free-roam
   and dog prohibited
2. Safety
3. Community education about requirements
   
4. Consistent regulations
5. Design of the areas

Other issues our community want addressed in the Policy:

• More enforcement and patrols
• Disposal of dog waste
• More fenced off leash areas
• Provide equipment in off leash areas
• Better education for dog owners

We ask which Council services were most important to support responsible pet ownership.

WE HEARD:

• Dog waste bags in dog walking areas
• Community education
• Dog free roam areas
• Proactive patrols and enforcement

We asked if pet owners are responsible in your neighbourhood?

WE HEARD:

Most noticed behaviours:

• People not picking up dog waste
• Not watching dogs in off leash areas
• Dogs off leash where they shouldn’t be
• Cats wandering and entering my property

Locations where these behaviours are noticed regularly:

• Frankston beach, boardwalk, foreshore
• Frankston
• Langwarrin (general, residential)
• Sweetwater Creek Reserve
• Seaford and Seaford Beach
• Ballam Park

WE HEARD:

• Issues: dogs rushing at children, roaming cats attacking pets, neighbour disputes.
• Dog waste a consistent problem: more bins, compostable bags, clearer mapping.
• Calls for more fenced areas and small/large dog separation.
• Keast Park beach is divisive: some want removal/relocation, others improved management.
• Calls for stronger enforcement.
• Education: responsibilities, service dog access, wildlife impacts.
• Support for renters/low income residents to comply.
  
• Clearer rules, signage, enforcement.

WE HEARD:

• Strong concern about pets harming wildlife, especially in reserves, wetlands, and foreshore.
• Push for more dog and cat free areas and site protection.
• Environmental groups: strong controls.
• Pet welfare advocates: humane alternatives to blanket curfews.
• Residents: divided between stricter rules and preserving pet spaces.