Have you been charged with the offence of Cats Found at Large?
Are you the owner of a cat who, due to being insufficiently confined to your dwelling, was subsequently found at large?
This charge is somewhat dependent upon your particular location and the relevant municipal rules, so you will need some advice from a criminal lawyer before proceeding further.
Please read below for more information in relation to this charge.
The offence
Section 25 of the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
The prosecution must prove:
The defendant was the owner of a cat;
The cat was found at large outside the premises of the owner or not securely confined to the owner’s premises;
The cat was so found in a municipal district in respect of which an order under this section was made;
The cat was so found during the hours specified in the order.
The maximum penalty
1 penalty unit for a first offence and 3 penalty units for a second or subsequent offence.
Where will my case be heard?
Cats Found at Large cases can only be heard in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.
Questions to consider
Do you have a defence?
If you are pleading guilty, what can you do to minimise your sentence?
What to do next?
See an experienced criminal lawyer as soon as possible, to allow maximum time to prepare your matter thoroughly.
If you have been charged with Cats Found at Large arrange to see one of our experienced lawyers today.
The legislation
Section 25 of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, Cats found at large
(1) If a cat is found at large outside the premises of the owner or not securely confined to the owner’s premises, in a municipal district or a specified part of a municipal district in respect of which an order under this section has been made, during the hours specified in the order, the owner is guilty of an offence and liable to a penalty of not more than 1 penalty unit for a first offence and 3 penalty units for a second or subsequent offence.
(2) A Council may, by resolution, make an order under this section.
(3) An order made by a Council under this section must be published in the Government Gazette and in a newspaper circulating in the municipal district of the Council making the order.
