Cats and dog poo flagged for shire’s next animal plan

THE Surf Coast Shire council will not make any changes to its Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) following a review, but one councillor says the next DAMP should tackle issues such as dog poo and cats.

Councillors noted the review of the 2017-2021 DAMP at their December 8 meeting and resolved that it remain current.

The report to councillors points out several key actions of note over the 2019/20 financial year, including:

• A survey seeking community feedback on the desire and demand for a purpose-built dog park in Torquay
• Targeted education to residents bordering the Great Otway National Park regarding the impact poorly managed domestic animals can have on native wildlife
• Continued use of the all-terrain vehicle to conduct more frequent beach patrols with the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee
• Recruitment of a new Ranger that lowers the team age profile and improves the team’s position regarding succession planning, and
• Continued use of the council’s digital media channels and local print media to promote key messages regarding responsible pet ownership.

Cr Heather Wellington said the council would be preparing a new DAMP soon, and flagged the requirement that cats in the shire needing to be confined at night as something that needed changing.

“There’s a specific exclusion for the rural zone on the basis that it’s difficult to confine a cat to a farm and that they’re often instrumental in controlling vermin,” Cr Wellington said.

“I just wanted to make the point that they’re often instrumental in killing native wildlife, and there’s no reason whatsoever for cats to be wandering at night anywhere.

“Cats should be in cages, to be honest, or confined to their backyards where they can’t escape.”

She said she had also received many complaints about dog poo.

“Somehow we need to do better as a community. I’m not sure what the council can do, but certainly as a community we need to do better and maybe it’s about education or enforcement or restricting the places dogs can go.”

The performance reporting for the DAMP notes the establishment of the annual “Poo Muster” program known as “Snap It, Pin It, Pack It” to gather annual data on the amount and location of dog waste on paths and public spaces as one of the few actions with a “not yet commenced” status.

According to the performance reporting, the Ranger Team, Facilities Team and Open Space Team will focus efforts on reducing animal waste on sporting grounds next year, and will look to partner with junior sporting clubs on the issue.

Cr Rose Hodge said she supported the continuation of free registration for dogs or cats adopted from pounds or animal shelters, and hoped the next DAMP would expand the initiative to cover rescue dogs as well.