Draft Animal Management Plan 2024 - 2028

15 October 2024 Full Council Meeting

We are pleased to share that the Dog and Cat Management Plan 2024-2028 was endorsed by Council at the Full Council Meeting held on 15 October 2024.

The Plan has now been graphically designed and can be viewed in the Documents tab to the right of this page or you can click here.

Overall, the Plan reflects a proactive approach to animal management that recognises the diversity of animal species within the community and seeks to address their respective needs and challenges.

The Plan also provides an opportunity for the council to consider dog and cat management from a strategic perspective. This involves identifying priority areas and emerging issues related to animal management and setting out actions to address them effectively.

We would like to thank all members of our community who helped us develop this plan including resident groups, dog park groups, vets / pet retailers, local trainers, breeders and animal owners.

10 September 2024 Full Council Meeting

Thank you for providing your feedback to help us improvement animal management within our community.

We are pleased to share that the retitled Dog and Cat Management Plan 2024-2028 will be presented to Council at the 10 September 2024 Full Council Meeting for discussion prior to the Plan being presented for endorsement at the 15 October 2024 meeting.

To view the Council Agenda for this meeting please visit our website via the link to the right of this page.

Background

The City of Mitcham invited feedback on the draft Animal Management Plan 2024-2028 in April/May 2024 to help shape the future of animal management in the City of Mitcham.

During phase 1 several key findings emerged on animal management within our community. From responsible pet ownership to environmental conservation, your concerns, values and aspirations have guided us in developing the draft plan.

Some of the focus areas highlighted in your feedback include:

• Introduction of cat confinement
• Managing dogs in open space areas
• Addressing dog attacks and behaviours
• Strengthening links with vets and other agencies
• Defining what makes a responsible dog and/or cat owner
• Utilising QR codes for signage.

We're committed to delivering activities, strategies, services and programs that support not only cats, dogs and their owners but the entire community over the next five years. While also supporting and encouraging responsible dog and cat ownership.

In South Australia, the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 guides Local Government in the management of dogs and cats in the community to:

• Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership.
• Reduce public and environmental nuisance caused by dogs and cats.
• Promote the effective management of dogs and cats.