Help shape Council’s animal management strategy

Responses to dog attacks, the location of dog off-leash areas, responsible pet ownership education and animal facility operating hours are among the issues being considered in the development of a Fraser Coast Regional Council domestic animal management strategy.

Cr Paul Truscott said Fraser Coast residents were being encouraged to provide their input and feedback into the development of the region’s first comprehensive domestic animal management strategy.

“Council provides a range of animal management services for the community, with rangers investigating thousands of reports every year about dog attacks, barking dogs and wandering animals,” he said.

“We also house impounded animals in dedicated facilities and carry out responsible pet care programs to encourage registration, microchipping and desexing.

“This new strategy will provide a framework for how we deliver animal management services over the next decade and help us balance community expectations with the available financial resources.

“Residents are encouraged to have their say over the next four weeks to help Council understand what is important in a domestic animal management strategy and what level of services they want.”

A dedicated animal management strategy page has been established on Council’s Engagement Hub website - with a short online survey, which is open from today (Friday 12 November 2021) through to 12 December 2021.

Council officers will also be at local markets and shopping centres over the next four weeks gathering feedback, while information stands with hard copies of the surveys will be set up at Council’s Customer Service Centres and libraries.

Cr Truscott said the strategy would help Council achieve the purposes of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and local laws, with the document to be reviewed annually.

“This initial community engagement will help Council develop a draft strategy, which will then go out to public comment in 2022 before it is finalised and adopted,” he said.

“I encourage everyone who is interested in domestic animal management on the Fraser Coast to make sure their voice is heard by completing the survey over the next four weeks.”