Residents input on proposed changes to Animal Management Orders

Published on 27 August 2021

Frankston City Council Mayor Kris Bolam has thanked residents for their valuable input regarding proposed changes to three current Animal Management Council Orders.

Mayor Bolam thanked 19 submitters who spoke at the online Council Meeting on August 23 and raised a diverse range of concerns and issues related to the proposed changes.

The Mayor also thanked the 285 people who made written submissions and the almost 1000 people who completed surveys.

Council is looking at proposed changes to animal orders which would allow dogs in the City Centre, create a free roam area for dogs on the foreshore and increase the cat curfew to 24 hours.

Cat curfew

Current Order: The owner of a cat must not allow that cat to wander at large outside the owner’s property between sunset and sunrise.

Proposed change: This order will be amended to require cat owners to confine their cats on their premises 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Roam free on the foreshore

Current Order: Dogs are not permitted on the foreshore between 9.30am and 7.30pm between 1 December and 31 March. Dogs are permitted at other times, provided they are under effective control of a chain, cord or leash.

Proposed change: This order will be amended to allow for a section of the foreshore to be designated as a roam free area for dogs.

Dogs in Frankston City Centre

Current Order: Dogs are prohibited from the Frankston City Centre.

Proposed change: This order will be removed. Dogs will be allowed in the City Centre and will be subject to current laws regarding dogs (must be on a leash, must pick up after it and must be registered).

Mayor Bolam noted that Council had received significant feedback from residents, adding: “It’s one of the biggest take ups of an item that we’ve had in terms of submissions and surveying – over 200 submissions and almost 1000 survey results. The public are interested in what outcome we reach.

“You have given Councillors food for thought and we look forward to making a decision at the September meeting. Thank you to all the submitters on all sides – without you we can’t make these decisions. Your input is much appreciated,” Mayor Bolam said.

South Ward Cr Brad Hill said: “Well done to all the residents who responded. They’ve been listened to. We still have some time before a decision is made and I want all the residents to know that they can still contact their Councillors and have their say.”

South Ward Cr Claire Harvey said: “I appreciate those who have contributed to the process and those who spoke, filled in surveys and put their views in writing.”

Councillors voted unanimously to note the consultation and engagement for the proposed animal Council orders has been undertaken in accordance with the Domestic Animal Management Act 1994.

They also voted to note 285 written submissions were received and a report is scheduled to be presented to the 20 September 2021 Council meeting, providing a detailed assessment of submissions and officer recommendation.

Councillors voted at a previous meeting to note the Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) adopted August 2020 and sought to undertake further engagement on the existing Council orders relating to the cat curfew – dusk to dawn, no dogs off lead on beaches and the current ban on dogs in Frankston’s Central Activities District.

The DAMP is a State Government requirement under the Domestic Animal Act 1994 and requires all Victorian Councils to develop, implement and submit a DAMP to the

Department of Agriculture every four years with a review of the actions undertaken each year.

For more information, please contact Council’s Coordinator Compliance and Safety, Jarred Stevens, via email info@frankston.vic.gov.au or phone 1300 322 322.