Background
This revised Animal Management Plan replaces our previous plan and will be effective for a five-year period, from 2023 – 2028. It will set the strategic direction for City of Marion’s management of domestic animals (primarily dogs and cats) during this time.
The City of Marion recognises that pets are an important part of everyday life and fulfil a vital role in society by providing companionship and unconditional love to their owners.
There is growing recognition that enforcement of laws will not, on its own, result in lasting, voluntary changes in people’s attitudes and behaviour towards responsible pet ownership. This Plan focuses on the needs of pet owners, respecting the rights of other members of the community while also protecting the environment.
The Plan sets out the City of Marion’s approach to dog and cat management by focusing on sustainable and strategic measures that consider public education, enforcement, engagement, and promotion to assist in lasting, voluntary behavioural change regarding the appropriate management of animals.
The plan considers the following 11 key strategies;
- Responsible pet ownership and administration of legislation
- Dog and cat registration
- Microchipping of dogs and cats
- Desexing of dogs and cats
- Nuisance dog barking
- Dog harassment, attacks and wandering
- Responsible dog management at Council reserves and open spaces
- Nuisance cats
- Breeders
- Animal detention and welfare
- Management of other animals
These strategies are aimed at undertaking a balanced approach catering to everyone’s needs, including domestic pets and their owners, the wider community and those responsible for animal management.
Have your say on the DRAFT Animal Management Plan by completing the short survey below before 5pm on May 8
