Wyndham council is planning to increase the number of dog off lead patrols its rangers conduct.
The rangers conducted 119 patrols between July and September this year, according to a council report released earlier this month.
Wyndham’s city operations director, Stephen Thorpe, said both random and scheduled off-lead patrols took place in locations such as playgrounds, schools and streets, along with areas reported by residents as needing attention.
Mr Thorpe said that during 2020, the council issued two infringement notices to dog owners for walking their dogs off-lead in on-lead areas.
“A further three infringements have so far been issued in 2021 as a result of off-lead patrols by rangers,” Mr Thorpe said.
“Off-lead patrols are conducted at various times on any day including weekends and after hours.
“We encourage residents to advise council where dogs are frequently off-leash in on-leash areas to help focus patrols where they will have greatest benefit.”
Mr Thorpe said councils have an obligation under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to promote responsible pet ownership, and to protect the community from nuisance dogs and cats.
“Wyndham city also has a domestic animal management plan, recently endorsed by council, that highlights the need to increase dog off-lead patrols over the next four years,” he said.
“Our 2021–2025 plan prioritises education to help ensure responsible pet ownership in Wyndham, as well as continuing our commitment to increase a visual presence of rangers patrolling in local areas.”
Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/pets-animals/animal-registration-regulations/registering-your-pet and www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/pets-animals/register-reunite
By Alesha Capone
