 | The level of pet ownership in Australia is one of the highest in the world. The City of Greater Geelong has one of the largest dog and cat populations of any Victorian municipality. Studies show that pets increase people's sense of safety, promote social interaction and encourage people to exercise. In short, pets improve the physical and psychological health of their owners. The Domestic Animal (Dogs and Cats) Management Plan (DAMP) is designed to balance differing community expectations. The plan also provides controls to reduce the negative impact pets can have on the natural environment. In addition the DAMP will ensure the City meets its statutory requirements under the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act 1994. In preparing the DAMP we consulted widely, with special interest groups, many pet owners and other members of the community. A draft version of the DAMP was available for public comment between 14 November 2007 and 29 February 2008. An extended consultation period was provided to ensure everyone had an opportunity to comment. |
The Domestic Animal (Dogs and Cats) Management Plan was adopted by Council on 10 June 2008 and will be implemented over a period of three years. Input will be sought from identified stakeholders during the life of this plan. This will ensure that actions invoked are representative of community expectations. Review of the plan, in consultation with the community, will occur in the latter part of 2010 for the purposes of developing the next three year plan.
The City devotes considerable resources to creating a pet friendly environment. Pet registration fees contribute to a wide range of services including animal identification tags, collection of stray animals, education campaigns, micro-chipping days, beach and bicycle patrols and funding for the Geelong Animal Welfare Society to operate the pound facility.
These initiatives are helping us achieve Council's vision for Geelong which promotes our
region as the best place to live in Australia.
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