City’s plan to promote responsible pet ownership

THE City of Greater Geelong has employed a staff member to deliver responsible pet ownership programs in schools and throughout the community as part of its Domestic Animal Management Plan for 2018-21.

The plan, adopted at the council’s last Community Focus Committee meeting, included the commitment in response to community feedback suggesting a need for greater education on responsible pet ownership.

It means local children and youths will gain an understanding of how to be responsible pet owners from an early age.

As part of the plan, the city will also investigate building more enclosed dog parks around the region.

The municipality’s only existing enclosed dog park is at Stead Park in Corio, but that may change, with a strategy being developed for the possible construction of further facilities.

The Domestic Animal Management Plan was open for public consultation for five weeks, and submissions made during that period have heavily shaped the final document.

The plan also outlines how the city intends to:

• Minimise the risk of dog attacks on people and animals
• Address any over-population and high euthanasia rates for dogs and cats
• Encourage the registration and identification of dogs and cats
• Minimise the potential for dogs and cats to create a nuisance, and
• Effectively identify all dangerous dogs, menacing dogs and restricted breed dogs in the municipal district.

The recent passing of the Domestic Animals Amendment (Puppy Farms and Pet Shops) Act 2017 through state parliament will increase the city’s ability to prosecute illegal breeders of puppies and kittens.

Council officers are working closely with major coastal land managers to create an updated plan for dogs on beaches. This will be included in the Public Places Policy 2018-21, scheduled to be presented to the council mid-year.

“Given the size of Greater Geelong and the number of animals we have, there are many challenges faced with animal management. That’s why community education is a key focus,” Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said.

“If we can get the majority of people doing the right thing, most of the time, it will greatly reduce the likelihood of conflict and issues.

“This plan shows the breadth of work already underway, and what we hope to improve over the next four years.”