Seeing a dog on a leash outdoors is something completely natural.
For decades we have been taking our pooches out for walks because not only do they need the exercise, it's good getting them out of the house to interact with nature and maybe some other dogs.
But it's a hell of a lot stranger seeing cats on leashes.
They're certainly not known for having to get out and about (although there are some tabbies out there that could use a walk) because they do it on their own volition.
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Whether it's strutting around the home, climbing some of the apparatuses in your place, or slinking through the gate to prowl the neighbourhood, cats usually do their own thing.
But if you're a cat owner in Darwin, then you're going to have to follow some rules.
The local council has passed a rule that requires owners to have their cats on leashes whenever they're outside the property perimeter.
Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis hopes the move will protect native species.
Alderman Robin Knox has been pushing for the policy for months, arguing that cats can be a pretty brutal animal if they're left unchecked.
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"Council by-laws require all cats in the municipality to be registered and not to leave the owner's property unless under effective control (caged or on lead)," Alderman Knox said.
"The development of new suburbs provides the opportunity for public education of the application of a cat containment policy and for council to apply the policy from the establishment of the new suburbs.
"Without a cat containment policy it is difficult for council to enforce these by-laws. "The policy would serve to clarify the public's understanding of containment methods."
Featured Image Credit: gstlt/Creative Commons