Input sought on cat and dog plan

THE City of Greater Bendigo is seeking feedback on two key changes to the municipality’s rules around domestic animals.

Both cats and dogs are the focus of the changes and include a 24-hours cat containment order and a mandatory rule where dogs would need to be kept on leashes.

The changes are covered by the statewide Domestic Animals Act 1994, which makes provision for local governments to set some of their own rules.

“If adopted, the proposed changes would mean all cats must be securely confined to their owner’s property 24 hours a day and dogs can only be off leash in designated off leash public areas within the municipality,” said mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf.

“Section 25 of the DAA refers to cats found at large. This section allows Victorian councils to make an order that specifies where cats are permitted during what hours, as prescribed by the order. It also provides the penalty if cats are found at large.

“Currently in Greater Bendigo, there is an order in place that requires cats to be secured to the owner’s property from sunset to sunrise.

“Section 26 of the DAA allows Victorian Councils to prohibit dogs from certain public places within the municipality and a requirement for dogs to be on leash at all times, unless in a designated off-leash area as named by the City.”

Feedback on the proposals is being accepted until Monday, 13 February via the municipal Let’s Talk website.

A statement from the City said councillors would consider all submissions before marking a final decision.

“I encourage all interested people to view the orders and proposed designated off-leash areas on the City’s Let’s Talk website where they can also provide feedback,” Cr Metcalf said.