December 27th, 2021Domestic Animal Management Plan out for comment

After extensive community consultation earlier this year, the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-2025 (DAMP) has been developed and is now out for public comment.

Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson encouraged everyone to take the opportunity to review the draft document and provide feedback on a proposed framework for services, programs and initiatives that promote responsible ownership of dogs and cats in the community. “We value pets and the role they play in the community but owning a cat or dog comes with responsibilities to ensure the safety of your pet and the community, and to protect our natural environment and native wildlife.” The draft Domestic Animal Management Plan is an important document that focusses on:  encouraging responsible pet ownership  promoting awareness and behaviour change  improving dog and cat registration rates  reducing the number of wandering dogs and cats  reducing the impacts of cats on the environment  further enhancing the use of public places for exercising dogs. All Victorian Councils are required by the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to prepare and implement a Domestic Animal Management Plan every four years to guide decision making in relation to animal management for dogs and cats “Council values community feedback and we want to hear from both animal owners, and residents without pets, to ensure the final plan balances the needs of pet owners with those of the wider community and increases the awareness of the animal management services that Council provides,” Cr Anderson said. Get involved and have your say  Online: at mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay
 In-person: get your paper copy of the plan at a customer service centre in Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey or Woodend  In writing: PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444 or email mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au  Call: 5422 0333 Feedback is welcome until 5pm on Tuesday 4 January 2022. It is anticipated that the final plan will be presented to Council in early 2022 for endorsement.