Waikato SPCA wants to put Hamilton's 110,000 pet cats under a curfew. Moggies would have to be tucked up inside by 9pm and not let out until 7am the following day under the SPCA's plan to control the city's wild and feral cat problem and to protect native birds and animals.
The pets would also have to be registered with Hamilton City Council and wear identification.
The cost of registration would be discounted if female cats were de-sexed or if owners were pensioners. Each household could own a maximum of three cats at any one time and numbers would be limited even further in flats.
SPCA manager Chris Wood said cats seen out on the streets after 9pm could be picked up by a ranger and destroyed if not claimed.
The first cat curfew was introduced in Australia 13 years ago in Sherbroke, Victoria, because it was felt cats contributed to the extinction of some species of indigenous wildlife.
In New Zealand, cats have been accused of contributing to a declining kiwi population.
Mrs Wood said cats could have a full stomach and still go out hunting.
The city council, Environment Waikato regional council and the SPCA have joined forces to try to manage pests in the city. Councillor Ewan Wilson has been appointed the council's representative on a working group which will meet next month.
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