The City of Greater Bendigo is seeking feedback on the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan which was developed with considerable consultation to ensure the views of the wider community are reflected.
More than 1130 residents (both pet owners and non-pet owners) contributed to the draft plan by completing a survey or by making a submission.
Key findings from the community survey revealed that:
- 98 per cent believe there are positive health and wellbeing benefits associated with owning a pet
- 71 per cent feel public spaces are safe from nuisance pets
- 87 per cent feel animals not used for breeding should be desexed
- 80 per cent support a 24/7 cat containment law (to match the requirements to contain dogs to an owners property)
- 8 per cent are feeding un-owned community cats
- 76 per cent support dogs on leads at all times unless designated otherwise
Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Jennifer Alden said the City has a legislative requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to prepare a Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) and this is the fourth plan that the City has prepared.
"Companion animals have been part of our lives since recorded history with dogs and cats playing an important role in the daily lives of many Greater Bendigo residents," Cr Alden said.
"Therefore, it's vital for the City to undertake the necessary planning to ensure that pets, pet owners and non-pet owners can coexist in a harmonious way.
"The draft plan builds on the achievements and work from the first three plans and establishes a framework to guide future service programs and actions through to 2025.
"Key areas of focus featured in the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan for the next four years include responsible pet ownership programs, a review of the current cat containment requirements and a review on whether Greater Bendigo remain a default off leash municipality in public areas
"The City received great feedback from the community in the development of the draft plan and I thank everyone who took the time to complete the survey and pass on their comments.
"The draft plan is now available to view, and I encourage all interested people to visit the City's Let's Talk platform and pass on any comments they may have."
The draft Domestic Animal Management Plan is available to view and make comment on at https://letstalkgreaterbendigo.com.au/domestic-animal-management-plan Any comments and feedback must be received by Tuesday October 12, 2021.
All comments received will be considered with the final plan expected to go to Council for adoption in November 2021.
