Six western suburbs councils are exploring the possibility of establishing a western regional animal pound.
Melton, Brimbank Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley city council’s are currently conducting a feasibility study to determine whether such a pound is viable.
Brimbank city development acting director Kristen Gilbert said Brimbank had partnered with neighbouring councils in an effort to deal with animal management.
“Council has been involved with other neighbouring councils in exploring the possibility of a regional pound facility to service the growth area of the west,” she said.
“This is still in the early stages of investigation.”
The study is being spearheaded by Wyndham, which had almost 150 dog attacks reported for the 2016-17 financial year.
In Brimbank, there was a 64 per cent spike in the number of reported dog attacks in the same period – 163, up from 99.
In Melton, planning and development general manager Luke Shannon said 18 cases were expected to go to court.
“Melton City council takes a zero tolerance approach to dog attacks,” he said.
“Each dog attack reported to council is thoroughly investigated.
“In 2017, 18 dog attack matters were deemed serious enough to be lodged in the Magistrates’ Court.
“A further 18 are expected to be prepared and lodged.”
At its December meeting, Melton council revealed its animal management plan.
The plan, which is updated every four years, includes a goal of increasing public awareness as to what constitutes a dog attack and to encourage the reporting of such incidents.
It also places high priority on decreasing the time taken by community members to report dog attacks.
As of June last year, there were 13 declared dangerous dogs, 20 declared menacing dogs and 10 restricted-breed dogs registered in Melton.
