Shire approves Domestic Animal Management Plan

THE Surf Coast Shire adopted its Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) for the next three years at its April meeting.

The plan will guide how people, dogs and cats in the Surf Coast Shire can live together in safety and harmony.

Community members were invited to contribute to the development of the plan earlier in the year.

More than 420 responses were made to a survey on animal management, 32 people attended a workshop and 61 comments were received during the public exhibition of the draft plan.

Important issues identified included dog behaviour, threats to wildlife and stock, dog litter and responsible pet ownership.

Shire mayor Cr David Bell thanked the community for their feedback during the development of the plan.

A key issue identified by the community during the plan’s development was enforcement. The community engagement process indicated a willingness among community members to form closer community linkages with local laws officers.

The significant population growth of permanent domestic animals in the shire, holiday home owners travelling with pets, and the proximity of Geelong’s Armstrong Creek growth area, will see the council planning for the growth of the local laws team.

“With a small team and the challenges of growth of our permanent and visitor populations, it is important for us to be aware of the needs of everyone visiting and living in our coastal and hinterland areas,” Cr Bell said.

“We will be working closely with the community and other land management bodies to make sure pets are being responsibly looked after and community members, pets, and visitors can enjoy our beautiful shire safely and in harmony.”

An extra officer and beach vehicle have been identified in the DAMP 2017-2021 to enable more patrols, education, delivery of proactive strategies, and investigate animal management non-compliances.

Pet registration fees are proposed to increase from July 1 for new registrations and will apply from April 2019 for registration renewals. This increase will enable greater local law enforcement and increased visibility and patrols in areas not normally accessible.

Non-concession fees for de-sexed animals and working dogs are planned to increase by $23.30 in the 2018-19 financial year. This increase brings the council’s fees in line with those of the City of Greater Geelong to service Surf Coast Shire’s growing permanent and visitor populations.