Phase two of community consultation is now open for the draft City of Mount Gambier Dog and Cat Management Plan 2024 – 2028.
The plan has been developed incorporating feedback provided from phase one of the community consultation process conducted earlier this year.
“The top challenges identified during the initial consultation process include cat management, dog faeces management, dogs being off leash when they shouldn’t be and dog behaviour towards other dogs,” General Manager Corporate and Regulatory Services Jane Fetherstonhaugh said.
“We’ve addressed these issues in the draft plan and invite the community to provide further feedback before it is finalised and presented to the Dog and Cat Management Board for approval.”
In South Australia, the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 governs the management of dogs and cats in the community. Section 26A of the Act requires local government to develop a Dog and Cat Management Plan within their local area every five years.
The draft plan outlines proposed initiatives Council will implement to address issues identified during the initial consultation process.
For cat management, that includes continuing to promote the requirement for mandatory desexing and microchipping and investigate the implementation of subsidised, low cost desexing and microchipping initiatives. It also outlines the determination of future directions for cat management in the council area, including a cat by-law, subject to impending legislative changes during the life of the plan. - General Manager Corporate and Regulatory Services Jane Fetherstonhaugh
“When it comes to dogs, to encourage dog faeces management Council plans to develop an education campaign with a focus on ‘picking up after dogs and disposing correctly’ in public spaces, encouraging the community to report to Council if dogs rush at them or their animals, with the aim of preventing future acts of harassment or attack, and scheduling patrols to focus on peak times of animal-related activity ‘hot spots’.”
Dog park maintenance and the need for additional fenced off-leash areas were also highlighted during consultation.
“We propose to undertake a review of the current designated off leash areas and in conjunction with the Sport, Recreation & Open Space Strategy, explore opportunities for strategically located dog facilities across the city and consider an additional fenced dog park.”
“Due to ongoing issues with people not picking up after their dogs, Council plans to work with leaseholders at Blue Lake Sports Park to make the sporting precincts off limits to dogs. Instead, we plan to create designated off leash areas and a separate dog park on the site for pet owners.”
“In addition, Council plans to capture requirements for dog facilities as part of master planning for Hastings Cunningham Reserve, in consultation with users,” Mrs Fetherstonhaugh said.
The City of Mount Gambier encourages dog and cat owners to share images with Council to be included within the final draft of the plan.
“Your pet must either be registered with the City of Mount Gambier or be utilising Council facilities within the photo to be included. Photos can include the owner, or just the pet. We look forward to seeing your photos.”
Find further details about having your photo featured at www.haveyoursaymountgambier.com.au
Please complete the survey at www.haveyoursaymountgambier.com.au to provide feedback on the draft City of Mount Gambier Dog and Cat Management Plan 2024 – 2028.
All feedback must be received by Wednesday 20 December 2023.
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Media and Communications Coordinator Sharny McLean on 0413 798 327 or smclean@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
