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Feedback needed from Baw Baw Shire residents on how we manage pets and pet owner issues

Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021 - 2025.

By news@gippsland - 9th September 2021 - Back to News

The four-year plan outlines Council's services, programs and policies for managing domestic animals, and explores areas that can be enhanced to better manage animal issues in our community. The plan seeks to outline the needs and expectations of pet owners and the broader community to ensure people and pets can live safely and happily together within the Shire.

Cr Leaney's furry friend, Tilly, was keen to join the Council meeting and have her say on the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan!

Drafted plan topics

The plan has been drafted in line with Animal Welfare Victoria guidelines, and incorporates the findings of a review of the previous plan and feedback received from key stakeholders. Some of the key topics covered in the plan include:

• Promoting and encouraging responsible pet ownership
• Minimising the risk of dog attacks in the community
• Addressing overpopulation and euthanasia rates for dogs and cats
• Encouraging the registration and identification of dogs and cats
• Effectively identifying and managing all declared dangerous, menacing and restricted breed dogs kept within the municipality

To review the draft plan in full, and to get involved and provide your feedback, This round of consultation is open until Friday 8 October 2021.

Meeting the pets and owners needs

Mayor Cr Danny Goss said, "We all love our pets, there's no doubting that. But we all have a responsibility to make sure they're cared for and managed in ways that don't negatively impact the wider community or natural environment."

"This public consultation is important to help us understand which animal management issues are most important to you, what you think is working and what you think might need to be changed. We want to ensure that the needs and expectations of pet owners and the broader community are met. I urge you to jump onto Council's website, fill out the short survey and make sure your voice is heard."

Better place for human and animals to coexist

Cr Darren Wallace said, "Now more than ever we're relying on our domestic animals to keep us sane during periods of lockdown. Through the public consultation phase and ultimate adoption of the plan, we will get a better understanding of how Council can support our residents with their pets."

"Let's get this out for public consultation, listen to what our residents want and ultimately look to adopt a final policy to become an even better place where our animals and humans can coexist."

For more information on how you can share your feedback, visit the Have Your Say section of council's website.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com