Max Hatzoglou
Brimbank council passed a report into the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-2025 with all councilors voting in favour of the plan.
The plan outlines programs, services and strategies to address a number of circumstances and issues for dogs and cats including a consideration for a cat curfew.
These include to address any over-population and high euthanasia rates for dogs and cats, encourage the registration and identification of dogs and cats and to ensure that people comply with the Act and the regulations.
Other points included were to evaluate whether the animal control services are adequate, manage dangerous dogs, menacing dogs and restricted breed dogs, minimise the potential for dogs and cats to create a nuisance, minimise the risk of attacks by dogs on people and animals and to promote and encourage the responsible ownership of dogs and cats.
Through the consultation period during January and February this year, 12 submissions were received including one from Pet Welfare Australia.
Issues raised in the submission included changes to off-leash areas, including the security of areas and the requirement for more areas across the Municipality.
Other issues raised included the control of stray, semi-owned and feral cats across the municipality and an introduction of a subsidised or free targeted cat desexing program.
Among other issues raised was a consideration of a cat curfew after sunset across the municipality.
Councillor Sarah Branton was pleased with the result, expressing the importance of these measures being brought in.
Cr Bruce Lancashire said it will be a good step forward for pet owners in the community and those affected by pets.
“This is an important process that we are engaging in that will help to deal with our domestic animals and help to protect our wildlife.
