Have your say on draft animal management strategy

Fraser Coast residents are being urged to have their say on a draft Council domestic animal management strategy.

Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott said the draft strategy, which was created after consultation with the community, covered a range of issues including responsible pet ownership education, registration requirements, enforcement of local and state laws, and the operation of Council’s pounds and adoption centre.

“As the Fraser Coast grows and evolves, so too does the diversity of our lifestyles and the way we engage with pets in our daily lives,” Councillor Truscott said.

“We recognise that people have different experiences, connections and views about pets and are all impacted by them in different ways. Some people prefer the ability to enjoy public places that are completely pet free whereas others enjoy a pet friendly lifestyle.

“That’s why Council consulted with the community extensively last year to develop a draft domestic animal management strategy and why we are now going out to the community again to seek their feedback on the draft strategy which has been updated to include their feedback.

“I encourage Fraser Coast residents to log on to Council’s Engagement Hub website  - https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/animal-management - to read the draft strategy and have your say.”

The survey will close on June 19.

Cr Truscott said Council provided a variety of animal management services, with rangers investigating thousands of reports every year about dog attacks, barking dogs and wandering animals.

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

Under the strategy, Council proposes developing a responsible pet ownership education program to ensure residents are aware of the requirements for keeping animals.

The program could include community events and subsidised microchipping events for cats and dogs.

“This new animal management 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,” Cr Truscott said.

Feedback closes on Sunday, June 19.