Have your say on management of pets

Published on 24 June 2021

Hepburn Shire is developing a new Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) and is looking for feedback from the community to inform Council’s approach to the management of dogs and cats over the next four years.

Mayor, Cr Lesley Hewitt, said Council recognises the benefits and challenges of pets in the community.

“We know that pet ownership has many benefits for the health and wellbeing of owners” said Cr Hewitt.

“However, if pet owners are not responsible in the care of their animals then there can be a nuisance impact on our community, the environment and our farming sector,” she said.

Local Councils are required to produce a DAMP every four years.

The plan will include a range of actions and initiatives to support responsible pet ownership such as pet welfare, registration, off-leash dog areas, cat curfews and more.

“Whether you’re a pet owner, or not, we’d like to hear your views about what should and shouldn’t be included in our new plan for dogs and cats,” said Cr Hewitt.

“We’d like to hear how we can improve animal management services for the community and pet owners, your concerns with dog or cats, instances of dog aggression or attacks, cat curfews, pet registration and more.

“Once we’ve heard from the community, we will be providing a draft Domestic Animal Management Plan for public feedback later this year. We urge you to have your say,” she said.

Submissions close on Wednesday 21 July 2021.

Options for making a submission include: - Via https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/domestic-animal-management-plan - Post your submission to the Chief Executive Officer, Hepburn Shire Council, PO Box 21, Daylesford VIC 3460; or - Email your submission to shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au.