READERS DISCUSS: Locking up feline friends for the night

CAT owners could have to keep their pets indoors permanently under a curfew proposed by the government.

We asked readers: Do you support a 24-hour cat curfew?

Matthew Bankier: I am sick of the different rules for cats and dogs. People lose their minds if a dog is seen out, yet cat owners let their cats out every night. If you can't keep the cat in your yard then keep it in the house, if you can't keep it in the house then you should have a cat. Stop letting it out to cause destruction and then bragging about it on Facebook. No it isn't cool that mittens brought you a dead bird as a present. It's appalling.

Kris Maddison: Dogs are as much as a problem mate I have sheep and cattle I have a huge dog problem out here and it's not just feral dogs it's domestic to I have witnessed dogs maul possums, koalas, Roos and anything else they can kill. Heather Price: I'm with u Matthew. They don't necessarily need to be inside, but if ppl can't provide an escape proof yard or cat run, then yes. If u must own one, keep it inside.

Toni Applebee: My cat is already an indoor cat. He never goes outside. Its the only way to totally protect both him & the wild life. Not to mention no whinging neighours coz my cat is in their yard or annoying their dogs.

Darlene Bowen: Councils need to get rid of the feral cats as well.

Lyn Deasy: Yayyyy! About time. Lets then do a clean up of any cats out after curfew. Will then get rid of ferals and those cats belonging to irresponsible owners. Bring back cat rego I say.

Emma Petersen: No way. My cat would drive me nuts cooped up inside. It's a bit different between keeping dogs inside a fenced yard and locking a cat indoors 24/7. He sleeps inside most of the night and is desexed.