Animal Management Plan Settled

Council adopted its Domestic Animal Management Plan 2022-2025 at its 21 December Council Meeting.

The Domestic Animal Management Plan outlines the key issues, objectives and management priorities of Council, as well as promotion of responsible pet ownership and the welfare of dogs and cats. In accordance with Victorian Government standards, it also proposes a number of solutions to protect the community and environment from pet nuisances. Under the Victorian Government’s Domestic Animals Act (1994), every council in Victoria must prepare a domestic animal management plan every four years.

Council’s Domestic Animal Management Plan was developed following extensive community engagement, with 327 community members completing a survey on animal management services in August and September, and four residents writing submissions during the Draft Plan’s public exhibition period from 27 October to 17 November, 2021.

Feedback during the draft document’s exhibition period related to the keeping of native animals, responsible dog ownership, number of animals allowed on a property, greater controls on cat ownership, and delivery of actions. This feedback was considered, and no further changes were made to the Domestic Animal Management Plan, as the draft document addressed these areas, or they fell outside the scope of the plan.

The Domestic Animal Management Plan sets out 21 new actions for Council to progress over the next four years, including undertaking proactive patrols of walking paths if resources permit, investigating the cost and location of a fenced dog park in Golden Plains Shire, and exploring the benefits of introducing a cat curfew, which was supported by the majority of survey respondents.

Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Gavin Gamble says Council was pleased to adopt the final Domestic Animal Management Plan following public consultation over several months.

“Golden Plains Shire is home to 5,917 dogs and 1,336 cats that have been registered by their owners, and Council’s updated Domestic Animal Management Plan sets out our priorities and planned actions in providing animal management services over the next four years.

“The community played a key role in the development of the Domestic Animal Management Plan, with many of the 21 new actions responding to feedback we received from the 327 residents who completed the community survey.

“With the new plan now in place, Council is committed to working with the community to implement its actions, and address the issues identified during the consultation process.”

The adopted Domestic Animal Management Plan 2022-2025 will be available on Council’s website: goldenplains.vic.gov.au/strategies, or a print copy may be requested at Council’s Customer Service Centres, 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn and The Well, 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.

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