October 7th, 2021Have your say on dogs and cats in the Macedon Ranges

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is calling on residents with and without pets to help shape its new Domestic Animal Management Plan.

Council’s Director Planning and Environment, Angela Hughes said the new plan would provide a framework for council’s animal management services for the next four years.

“We value pets and the role they play in the community and are keen to hear from everyone to ensure we develop a plan that balances the needs of pet owners with the wider community,” she said.

In Victoria, councils must develop a new domestic animal management plan every four years to set out services, programs and initiatives that promote responsible ownership of dogs and cats in the community.

A number of key initiatives were delivered as part of the previous Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021, including:

– new dog on-and-off leash rules

– cat curfew requiring all domestic cats to be contained on their property and enclosed from sunset to sunrise

– designated sensitive environment areas where cats and dogs are prohibited (Gisborne Marshlands, Hanging Rock Reserve, Malmsbury Common, Mt Gisborne Reserve, and Woodend Grassland Reserve).

Council will use the feedback gathered to inform the development of the draft plan, which will be released later this year for public comment.

Link: mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay

Feedback is invited until 5pm on Thursday, October 21.