Domestic animal plan approved

By Lachlan Ellis

A new ‘Domestic Animal Management Plan’ has been approved by Moorabool Shire Council, with the plan to run until 2025.

Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, each municipal council must prepare a Domestic Animal Management Plan every four years, and review it annually.
Consultation for the plan was undertaken in July 2022, with 34 responses received on issues people are facing, and priority areas they believe Council should be addressing.

Four main priority areas were identified during the consultation period: promotion of responsible pet ownership, cat confinement, mandatory de-sexing, and minimising the risk of dog attacks.

Additional comments from the community included further provisions for off leash dog areas, cat and dog registration fees, and volunteer transport services for vet care.

A range of programs are mentioned within the Plan, including information with registration renewals on responsible pet ownership, auditing the amount of cat traps available to residents, and providing discounted microchipping services to the community.

Council will also work to identify and report illegally operating breeding establishments in the Shire, promote adoption of Pound dogs and cats, undertake educational programs promoting the benefits of dog and cat registration, and more.

The Plan was moved by Cr Tom Sullivan at Council’s 21 December Special Meeting and seconded by Cr Moira Berry, with all Councillors present voting in favour.

Crs Paul Tatchell and David Edwards were apologies and not present at the meeting.