Have your say on our draft Plan for pets
A new Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) has been drafted for Bayside to balance the needs and promote the safety and welfare of our pets, people and environment.
Bayside Mayor Alex del Porto said the review of the Domestic Animal Management Plan provides an opportunity for all residents - with and without pets - to share their experiences, as well as foster greater understanding of the value pets provide to the community.
Insights from extensive community research have led to proposed new actions and initiatives in the draft DAMP, which we need your feedback on.
Some of the proposed new DAMP actions:
- Transition to cat containment (day and night) for the safety of cats and native wildlife.
- Review dog on-leash and off-leash restrictions along the Bayside foreshore in 2025/26 to ensure beach access balances the needs of pets, people and the environment.
- Review the desexing rebate program to encourage puppy registrations.
- Increase patrols of reserves and foreshore during key times, such as summer and sport seasons.
- Establish community working groups to strengthen partnerships and provide ongoing community feedback on domestic animal issues.
- Improve information and support for pet owners with more frequent communication, events, training incentives, and smarter signage.
- Work with local sports clubs and dog owners to improve safe, shared use of off-leash sportsgrounds.
Consultation on the draft Plan is open until 18 April 2022.
Following Council’s consideration of the draft Plan at its March meeting, the reference to the ‘removal of off-leash access at Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary’ has been removed from the draft Plan.
A review of dog off-leash restrictions adjacent to Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary and all beaches has also been deferred to year four of the draft Plan (2025/26).
Council will also consider a report at its August 2022 meeting detailing the process to consider multiple open spaces throughout Bayside for the future provision of a secure dog park.
You can have your say on the draft Plan online now or join us at Pets Day Out at Cheltenham Park on Sunday 10 April 2022. We’ll be in the Have Your Say marquee at the event to talk about the draft Plan and give some special gifts to your furry family member(s). We’re also offering discounted pet registration at just $4.10 for new pets on the day!
