By Luke Voogt
Soul-brother shih tzus Benji and Zac joined council officer Mark Stevens on Wednesday as City Hall promoted a program teaching children about responsible pet ownership.
Council has hired a staff member to teach the program in schools as part of its new domestic animal management plan.
Mayor Bruce Harwood said community education was a key focus of the plan.
“If we can get the majority of people doing the right thing most of the time it will greatly reduce the likelihood of conflict and issues,” he said.
Benji, 9, and Zac, 10, met Mr Stevens, the program’s coordinator, at East Geelong’s Howard Glover Reserve as they searched for a new home together.
The pooch brothers to other mothers would make perfect lapdogs, according to Geelong Animal Welfare Society’s Renee Renshaw
“They came together as what we call a bonded pair and we’d like them to be rehomed together,” she said.
The quiet, calm and relaxed pair of Shih Tzus were de-sexed and looking for a new owner to love, Ms Renshaw said.
“They’d suit an older person or a quiet home that enjoys short walks.”
Council developed the school program in response to community feedback, a spokesperson said.
“It means local children and youths will gain an understanding of how to be responsible pet owners from an early age.”
Council will also investigate building more enclosed dog parks around the region.
Greater Geelong’s only existing enclosed dog park is at Stead Park, Corio.
