PEOPLE with pets \u2013 and those without \u2013 are being asked to comment on the City of Greater Bendigo’s new Domestic Animal Management Plan and the review of a local law related to the subject.<\/p>\n
Residents have until Friday 30 May to complete a survey on both topics on the City’s Let’s Talk platform. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete.<\/p>\n
The management plan will be the fifth the City has produced under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 requirements and will be in effect from this year to 2029.<\/p>\n
The Keeping of Animals Local Law 2 has several clauses relating to domestic pets and must be reviewed every 10 years under the Local Government Act.<\/p>\n
“The new plan will build on the achievements and work from the first four plans and establish a framework to guide future service programs and actions through to 2029,” City of Greater Bendigo safe environments manager Jock Schofield said.<\/p>\n
“Companion animals have been part of our lives since recorded history with dogs and cats playing an important role in the daily lives of many Greater Bendigo residents.<\/p>\n
“Therefore, it’s vital for the City to undertake the necessary planning to ensure that pets, pet owners and non-pet owners can coexist in a harmonious way.<\/p>\n
“That is why we want to hear from both pet owners and non-pet owners so we can undertake initiatives to complement pet ownership and also actions that help minimise the nuisance and potential danger created by some dogs and cats.”<\/p>\n
Mr Schofield said previous plans had resulted in initiatives such as the creation of new dog parks and off-leash areas, and new cat containment rules.<\/p>\n
He said the first step in developing the new plan is to gather community feedback through a survey.<\/p>\n
“This information will be used in the development of a draft plan which will also be available for further community comment,” Mr Schofield said.<\/p>\n
The survey includes questions in relation to demographics, responsible pet ownership and education, registration and identification of cats and dogs, desexing of cats and dogs, and dog faeces management.<\/p>\n
Other topics include the keeping of animals local law, cat control, dog attacks, and nuisance animals and enforcement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PEOPLE with pets \u2013 and those without \u2013 are being asked to comment on the City of Greater Bendigo’s new Domestic Animal Management Plan and the review of a local law related to the subject. Residents have until Friday 30 May to complete a survey on both topics on the City’s Let’s Talk platform. The […]<\/p>\n