The City of Casey is calling on residents to help shape the way communities care for and manage animals in the community by having their say on the proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan.
Abbreviated to DAMP, the plan is updated every four years under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, outlining how councils support responsible pet ownership, promote animal welfare, and ensure that neighbourhoods remain safe and welcoming for all.
Casey’s mayor, Stefan Koomen, said that “according to the Victorian Pet Census, 58 per cent of households have at least one pet”.
“In Casey, we have over 36,000 pets registered. This plan affects more people than many might realise.
“It guides everything from keeping our parks clean to ensuring our streets are safe; the DAMP helps make Casey a safe and welcoming place for everyone,” he said.
Currently, DAMP is under its community consultation period and feedback consideration phase.
Included in the plan, as listed on the Casey Conversations page, are things such as making sure pets are registered and easy to identify, helping people be responsible pet owners, as well as keeping the community safe from stray or dangerous animals.
Cranbourne Gardens Ward councillor, Michelle Crowther, added by saying that “pets are part of our families and our neighbourhoods”.
“Whether you’re a pet owner or not, animal management impacts us all.
“I encourage everyone to read the proposal and provide their feedback,” she said.
The survey for DAMP closes on 19 September, with feedback taken online via conversations.casey.vic.gov.au/DAMP
For additional information, users can also visit the above address, email Nicole Armstrong at complianceandactivities@casey.vic.gov.au or ring 9705 5200.
