Dog and cat owners are encouraged to take the lead across the Surf Coast Shire in the busier months ahead.
From respecting the 24-hour cat curfew to being across dog rules – there are various ways that pet owners can help keep the community safe, and protect the environment and local wildlife.
Surf Coast Shire Council's Rangers team play their role by patrolling areas where they are needed.
Councillor Mike Bodsworth said that patrols extended beyond beaches, particularly when it came to preventing dog attacks.
"Given that most dog attacks occur in public places close to the attacking dog's property, our Rangers include residential streets as a priority area," he said.
"This is in addition to parks, pathways, reserves and beaches."
Dogs must be kept on leash in township areas. When in permitted off-leash areas they need to be under effective control, which means when called they must return immediately.
Cat owners need to keep their feline friend within their property boundary to prevent them from causing a nuisance, and also to protect wildlife.
Council's Domestic Animal Management Plan – titled Take the Lead – outlines how people, dogs and cats can live together safely in the Surf Coast Shire.
"Small actions from pet owners, both local and visiting, can make a big difference to help make our shire safer and more enjoyable for everyone," Cr Bodsworth.
"I'm a pet owner and know I have a responsibility to do the right thing, including picking up after my dog and being mindful of hooded plover breeding sites along the coast."
Hooded plovers nest from August to March. Beachgoers should follow advice on signage to help protect the vulnerable shorebirds, including staying out of temporary exclusion zones to give the hoodies space and keeping dogs on lead.
Point Roadknight is a key breeding site for hooded plovers. At its October meeting, Council amended dog regulations to make the Point Roadknight No-Dogs zone easier to identify and comply with.
"Collaboration between hooded plover volunteers, Council officers and others has had a big impact on breeding success," Cr Bodsworth said. "Dog owners are part of that team effort too."
Community members who have a pet-related question or concern can lodge a request with Council via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/request.
