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A True 'Tail' About a Dog!

Bass Coast Shire Council is calling on the community to help develop a dog policy for the Shire

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 20th August 2001 - Back to News

Picture sent via email: Council is seeking public opinion on a range of dog issues with the aim of developing a dog policy. Pictured are Council’s local laws officers Alan, Steve, Kaye and Paul

Bass Coast Shire Council is calling on the community to help develop a dog policy for the Shire. Where should dogs be exercised? What about registration? Who is responsible for cleaning up after them in public areas? These are some of the issues Council is asking the public to provide feedback on so Council can develop an appropriate dog policy.

"We want as much participation from the public as possible in developing this policy," said Cr Miranda Sage, Mayor of Bass Coast Shire Council.

"The issue of dogs is an emotive one for most people, even those who aren’t pet owners," said Cr Sage. "We want the community to help us develop a balanced, useful policy with workable solutions."

Cr Sage explained that there are a number of ways people can take part in shaping the policy.

Surveys will be sent to 5,000 randomly selected ratepayers this week, asking for their opinions on a variety of issues concerning dogs. Surveys are also available from all Council offices, by contacting Council on 5671 2211 or 5951 3311, or from Council’s website at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au. Council will also survey people by phone and in the streets of Wonthaggi, Inverloch and Cowes.

Another opportunity for people to participate is through a community reference group. The Group will discuss the draft policy, which will based on the results of the surveys. Council is looking for people for the community reference group who:

• own dogs as well as those who don’t
• are experienced in a range of community activities
• are active in the issues about recreation, protection of the environment, responsible pet ownership and public health & safety
• are willing to help inform the community about the relevant State Government legislation on the topic.

Application forms for the community reference group are available at all Council offices, by calling 5671 2211 or 5951 3311, or on Council’s website at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au. Applications close on Friday 7 September.

It is anticipated that by October Council will have a draft policy available to discuss at a series of community information workshops.

"This is an opportunity for people to work with others and with Council to develop a policy that meets a range of needs as well as the requirements of state legislation," said Cr Sage. "It will affect many people..and dogs!," said Cr. Sage.

"I strongly encourage people to fill in the survey, nominate for the reference group or participate in a workshop."

Many other councils, such as Mornington, Kingston and Port Phillip, have dog policies that control issues such as exercising dogs off-leash and registration. When Bass Coast Shire Council’s dog policy is developed and adopted it will be enforceable under the Victorian Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animal Act 1994.

For more information about the dog policy, please contact Deb Amor, Local Laws Officer, on 5671 2211 or 5951 3311. Copies of the survey and the community reference group application form are available from all Bass Coast Shire Council offices or Council’s website at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: basscoastshire@gippslander.com

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