Residents had suggested the curfew be adjusted to take into account daylight saving with the indoors period being 8pm to 6am in summer and 6pm to 6am in winter.

But the proposal was dismissed when the council adopted its latest Domestic Animal Management Plan.

It retains the 7pm to 7am curfew which was introduced in November 1996, when unelected commissioners administered the city.

A survey by the council found 79.37 per cent support for the existing curfew.

The council has also previously considered a 24-hour indoor measure, seeking community feedback on the idea in 2013.

However, council managers believe encouraging more responsible cat ownership should be the priority, even though animal welfare group the RSPCA told them it supported a 24-hour curfew.

Meanwhile, the council plans to investigate more options for dog recreation after 88.18 per cent of the community backed the city designating specific ‘on and off leash areas’.

Managers have flagged expanding the fenced dog area at Belvoir Park.

“The dog park could be increased in size with separate areas for small and big dogs,” a council report on the animal plan stated.

“There has also been feedback requesting...more gated dog parks.

“This is supported and will be investigated.”

The council also plans to investigate reducing annual fees for those who have “good compliance with pet registration”, but lifetime registration, as exists in NSW, will not be considered because of Victorian law.