Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Thursday, 4 November, 2021. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Seeking community input for Council’s Domestic Animal Management Plan

Creation of the new Domestic Animal Management Plan 2022–2025 (DAMP) will outline community education and enforcement initiatives relating to emergency services, responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, dog attacks, dangerous dogs, puppy farms, wandering cats and dogs, officer training, and the Shepparton Animal Shelter.

Council’s Animal Management department plays an important leadership role in supporting and promoting responsible pet ownership and best practice animal welfare standards.

Over the past four years, the animal management team has achieved significant outcomes from Council’s current Domestic Animal Management Plan, including:

the delivery of four new Ranger vehicles enabling safe transport of animals
supporting and caring for over 2,000 animals per year at the Shepparton Animal Shelter
responding to over 2,000 requests and reports from the community per year
monitored and inspected all declared dangerous, menacing and guard dogs
upgraded the cat holding facilities at the Shepparton Animal Shelter
monitored and audited all domestic animal businesses
implemented new puppy farm legislation
provided a 24hr animal emergency response service
successfully prosecuted 100% of serious dog attack incidents at court
promptly investigating animal welfare, cruelty and puppy farm reports
provided ongoing animal management support at bushfire locations
increased the number of animals that were rehomed
continued to decrease euthanasia rates
issued desexing vouchers to those in need
worked with dog owners to reduce impound rates

Council is now seeking input from both pet owners and members of our community without pets to help guide our animal management services over the next four years.

“We encourage anyone who has an interest in domestic animal management to provide their opinions in the online survey,” said Manager Environment, Sharon Terry.

The survey is open until Monday 29 November and can be found at shaping Greater Shepparton.