Attention dog and cat owners - we want to hear from you!

If you’ve got a kitty or a canine in the backyard at home, Mitchell Shire Council wants to hear from you.

Council is in the process of developing a new Domestic Animal Management Plan, a legislated document that all Victorian Councils are required to produce every four years.

Before a draft plan is put together, Council has developed a Community Survey to gather a range of information from dog and cat owners.

The simply survey includes questions about several topics including animal registrations, de-sexing, possible cat curfews and interest in off-leash dog areas.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Rhonda Sanderson said preparing a Domestic Animal Management Plan was an important way to improve animal management in the Shire.

“Responsible pet ownership is really important and developing a new Domestic Animal Management Plan is an important way that Council can help people to do the right thing when it comes to taking care of their animals,” Cr Sanderson said.

“The plan will help educate people about the benefits of registering their animals. It also aims to reduce the number of cats and dogs that end up in Council pounds, ensures the amenity of the community is of a high standard, and identifies opportunities where we can make improvements in our community for animals and their owners.

“It’s well known that pets can improve wellbeing and bring people together – whether that is helping in a child’s development, reducing loneliness and isolation, or aiding with illnesses such as depression. That’s why it is so important to make sure our domestic animals are being managed as successfully as possible.

“I’d encourage all pet owners to take the survey. We’re really keen to hear the ideas and opinions of our community and key stakeholders.”

The survey is open until 5pm on Friday 15 December. A draft Domestic Animal Management Plan will then be formed and is expected to be presented to the community early next year for input.