Have your say on furry friends, or foes

LOCAL residents have the opportunity to throw their two cents in as part of a new Shire survey that focuses on the management of domestic dogs and cats in the area.

The State Government, under its Domestic Animals Act (1994), requires all municipalities to prepare a new Domestic Animal Management Plan every four years.

The aim of the plan is to promote “responsible pet ownership and the welfare of cats and dogs in the community,” while “protecting the community and environment from pet-related nuisances.”

Golden Plains mayor Helena Kirby said feedback will be used to “inform” the new draft plan, which is set to be adopted by December.

“With questions on pet registration, wandering cats, dog aggression and dog parks, we want to hear from pet owners, local residents and those who work in animal-related businesses to make sure the new plan reflects the needs of our Golden Plains communities,” she said.

The survey is open until 13 September, with a number of ways to submit it – online, by email, or by post.

Online submissions will be accepted on the Golden Plains Shire website via goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations.

The survey can also be downloaded from that site, or collected as a hard-copy from Shire customer service centres.

Hard copies can be mailed to Golden Plains Shire Council, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, 3331, marked ‘Attention: Domestic Animal Management Plan’, or dropped off at one of two Council customer service centres: either 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn; or The Well, 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.