Section 26 On-leash Order
During the consultation for the development of the Mitchell Shire Council Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) 2021 – 2025 you told us you were concerned about dogs 'at large' (not confined to their owner's property and without an owner present) and dog attacks that occurred when dogs were off-leash in public places.
As a result of your feedback we included a number of strategies in the Domestic Animal Management Plan to address these concerns.
Strategies that were included as part of Outcome 11 of the Plan included increasing the number of fenced off leash parks available to dog owners across the Shire, along with considering the introduction of a Section 26 Order (On Leash Order) that would mean that all dogs would need to be on leash in township areas.
We want to check back in with the community to see if this is still something you would like us to put in place.
Although the strategy talks about an On-Leash Order that would apply only in township areas, Council is considering introducing a Shire-wide On-Leash Order which would reduce confusion for both dog owners and the public. This would mean that all dogs would need to be on a leash in public places, or when outside of their owner's property.
If a Shire-wide Section 26 Order was to be enacted, dogs would still be allowed off leash in designated off leash areas and in fenced dog parks across the municipality, ensuring that dog owners are still able to exercise their dogs off leash if they choose.
How you can get involved
Your feedback is invaluable to us. Whether it's through our online survey, a written submission, or a face-to-face discussion at one of our community pop ups, we're listening.
This is your opportunity to tell us whether or not you support the introduction of the order, you can give us your feedback in the following ways:
- Online complete a short survey
- Pick one up a copy from one of our Customer and Library Service Centres
- Write to us at Mitchell Shire Council, Reply Paid 70358, 113 High Street, Broadford, Vic, 3658 (no stamp required)
- Come and speak to us at one of our 'In-Person' Sessions
- Wallan Library - 1-2pm on Wednesday 20th November
- Broadford Library - 2-3pm on Tuesday 26th November
- Kilmore Library - 10-11am on Wednesday 4th December
- Seymour Library - 10-11am on Thursday 12th December
Information
For further information please call Adam Evans on (03) 5734 6200 or email adam.evans@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au
Closing date
18th December 2024