Surf Coast Shire Council’s new four-year Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) 2022-25, was adopted at tonight’s Council meeting.
Following an extensive community engagement process and 28 day public exhibition, the plan will come into effect by 1 February, in accordance with the Domestic Animal Act, 1994.
Under the Domestic Animal Act, 1994 Council must have a current plan that is reviewed annually and undertake a full comprehensive review every four years.
The plan was developed following a strong community engagement process, with a community survey attracting 734 responses, 570 from pet owners, and 164 non-pet owners.
In October, 2021 Council adopted a recommendation to place the draft DAMP on public exhibition for 28 days, this period commenced in November and concluded 3 December.
Council received 27 contacts including 25 public submissions, which focused on key areas already covered by established actions in the draft DAMP.
The submissions were considered and minor changes implemented in the final plan, which meets the requirements for Surf Coast Shire Council’s domestic animal services.
The plan, which builds on the strong community principles developed for the 2017-21 DAMP, contains 38 actions across the areas of:
- Staff development, process improvements
- ·nuisance management
- domestic animal overpopulation and euthanasia
- reporting, and
- performance management.
Councillor Mike Bodsworth said he was pleased with the level of community engagement and believes this is reflected in the plan.
“The greater community engagement, the more accommodating our DAMP can be now and into the future. It’s all about allowing pets and people to live together in harmony and safety across the Shire,” Cr Bodsworth said.
“Once again recognising that companion animals are part of our community and contribute to the health and well-being of many people.”
