Pets in council crackdown

Cats face a curfew, dogs might lose areas to run free and compulsory pet desexing is on the cards in a crack down on Geelong’s pets.
The city’s council has foreshadowed the new rules in a domestic animal management plan out for public comment.
Council approved release of the draft plan the same night councillors voted to ban dogs off leashes on both banks of the Barwon River between Queen’s Park Bridge and Breakwater Road.
Councillor Jan Farrell said the draft management plan followed “a lot of time consulting with relevant people”.
She said the plan recommended a cat curfew between sunset and sunrise starting the second year after council adopted the policy.
Desexing of dogs and cats would be compulsory from the third year, Cr Farrell said.
A “key suggestion” was ordering dogs to be kept on leashes in various public areas as well as on footpaths, roadsides and naturestrips.
Cr Farrell said the proposed policy also called for an investigation into whether City of Greater Geelong needed “additional im-poundment facilities” to match the increase in cats and dogs across the municipality.
“The plan recognises the enormous social and physical benefits that arise from pet ownership,” she said.
“Studies confirm that pets provide companionship, opportunities for social interaction, help people feel safe, encourage exercise and improve psychological and physical health.”
Cr Farrell said residents had until January 18 to comment on the plan, available at City customer services centres and online at www.geelongaustralia.com.au.
A statement from the City said the plan “considers a number of issues”, such as access “for all” and dog droppings in public places.
Cr Farrell said the region’s catchment management authority, which has responsibility for managing the Barwon River, had called for the off leash ban between Queen’s Park and Breakwater Road.
The council order would give by laws officers the power to fine dog owners who allowed their dogs to run off-leash along the stretch of river.
The order followed an education program in which council officers handed out free leashes and gave advice about dog control along the river over the past few months, Cr Farrell said.
“Under the new order, this program will continue. However, officers will have the ability to enforce compliance if the situation requires it.”
Cr Farrell said Corangamite Catchment Management Authority would install signs along a trail beside the river through Geelong telling users where dogs had to be kept on leashes.