City’s animal management rebranded

THE City of Greater Geelong’s animal management team has a new look, launching a fleet of vehicles now branded to improve visibility and make sure hey’re easily recognised by the community.

Visibility and easy identification of the animal management team were raised as issues during the community consultation on the Domestic Animal Management Plan.

With the new clearer branding on the team’s vehicles, the community will now be able to recognise the team when they are patrolling reserves or assisting the community with their inquiries.

The team encourages pet owners to remember the importance of responsible pet ownership, particularly over the festive season and the hotter summer months.

The community consultation on the Domestic Animal Management Plan found that there was a strong call for Geelong’s public open spaces to be safe, shared spaces where everyone – dog owners, walkers, cyclists and others – acts respectfully and co-operatively.

The city has also suggested these tips for responsible pet ownership: • Ensure that your animal is registered, microchipped and is wearing a collar including a tag with contact details. New animals can now be registered online, allowing greater flexibility for pet owners • Get your cat desexed to help reduce the stray and feral cat population and protect the environment • Walk your dogs on lead unless in an off-leash area where effective control is required – ie. your dog is visible, within hearing range and will come when called • Ensure that your pet has enough fresh water and never leave them in the car. “Our recent survey showed that the vast majority of people want to co-operate and share our region’s public spaces – both those who own animals and those who don’t,” Cr Kylie Grzybek, who chairs the city’s community health and safety portfolio, said.

“The animal management team does a wonderful job helping the community practice responsible pet ownership, and their new fleet of vehicles will make them much more visible when they’re out in the community.”

If you have an inquiry for the city’s animal management team or wish to report a lost or found animal or lodge a complaint about a noisy animal, phone 5272 5272.