New Domestic Animal Management Plan Approved

Wyndham Council last night approved a four-year Domestic Animal Management Plan that outlines Council’s commitment to animal management relating to cats and dogs from 2021 through to 2025.

The Plan promotes responsible pet ownership, encourages pet registration and aims to minimise the risk of attack by dogs and nuisance caused by animals.

Community consultation on the Plan commenced in March 2021 with the objective to gain important community insight and data to help form the Domestic Animal Management Plan.

The consultation process highlighted common concerns within the community such as dogs off lead and wandering dogs, cat impact on wildlife and enforcement of the cat curfew.

Mayor Cr Adele Hegedich said: “We saw overwhelming levels of engagement throughout this consultation that will allow us to further support pet owners through services, programs and activities here in Wyndham. The response has also provided us with exactly what we need to know to be able to action and alleviate residents’ concerns regarding domestic animals.”

“We would like to thank all the residents that participated in this consultation and also the 28,000 plus cat and dog registrants here in Wyndham for doing the right thing.”

“The Domestic Animal Management Plan will help support pet owners and spread awareness of the health and social benefits of owning a pet,” Cr Hegedich said.

The 2021 – 2025 plan will prioritise education to help ensure responsible pet ownership in Wyndham, as well as continuing the commitment to increase visual presence of Rangers patrolling in the local area.

The Domestic Animal Management plan is reviewed annually, with a wider community consultation every four years.

To find out more about responsible pet ownership in Wyndham, please visit:  https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/pets-animals/animal-registration-regulations/registering-your-pet