Council’s Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) 2022-2025 is now available for community feedback.
During September we invited the community to share their ideas for how Council can create a harmonious environment for pets, people, other animals and our environment.
More than 75 residents took the time to contribute with the key themes being:
- Euthanasia rates are important
- There is a need for a fenced off dog park to reduce dog attacks, promote responsible ownership and increase positive animal socialisation
- Only 52% of respondents considered cats a problem, however many expressed the need for a cat curfew.
Community feedback has been used to develop the Draft Plan – the highlights are:
- It details our Strategy to improve our service relating to animal management and regulation
- It celebrates partnerships with animal shelters to ensure the increased likelihood of animal rehoming
- It recognises that the community is undecide about whether a cat curfew is needed and so further engagement will take place leading up to the review of the Local Law and the DAMP in another four years.
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor thanked the community for their participation in the process.
“It was wonderful to see so many residents contribute to the Draft Plan. It’s obvious our community love their pets and that they play an important role in our families.
“We really encourage everyone to review the Draft Plan and provide us with feedback, which will help us update and further improve the DAMP and Council’s Animal Management program.
“If you choose to provide feedback via our social media channels, we encourage you to add pictures of your pets in the comments – with the pet with the most likes to become the cover animal for our DAMP!”
Feedback on the Draft Animal Management Plan is required by 5pm, Wednesday 1 December and can be provided via:
- Online: www.engage.cgoldshire.vic.gov.au/dogsandcats
- Call: Council’s Compliance Coordinator Mark Jennings on 5461 0624
