Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Friday, 27 October, 2017. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Friday 27th of October, 2017,
The implementation of Greater Shepparton City Council’s 2013-2017 Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) has resulted in a significant decline in the number of dogs being euthanased, an increase in dogs and cats being rehoused and an increase in dogs being claimed by their owners.
The statistics show over a 10 year period that the number of dogs euthanased went down from just over 50 per cent in 2007-2008 to approximately 10 per cent last financial year. The year prior to this was as low as eight per cent which is a significant achievement.
The DAMP sets out a method for evaluating whether the animal control services provided by Council were adequate to meet the requirements of the Domestic Animals Act 1994. The Plan was endorsed by Council in September 2013 with the Action Plan being endorsed by Council in September 2014 in accordance with the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
Greater Shepparton City Council Manager Citizens Services, Laurienne Winbanks said the DAMP and the Action Plan have steered the direction of animal management activities resulting in substantial changes to animal management practices and upgrades to the Animal Shelter to meet legislative requirements.
“Council is working closely with the community to promote responsible pet ownership,” said Ms Winbanks. “Our focus is on the welfare of the animal and providing the best opportunity for it to be placed in a good home. We have developed some great relationships with breed specific shelters and the development of our foster care program is providing great assistance in keeping animals out of the shelter environment in the first place.”
“We don’t impound an animal unless it is necessary and we aim to get pets back to their owners. However, we will not shy away from dealing with irresponsible owners who do not do the right thing and this starts with registering and microchipping your pet in the first place,” said Ms Winbanks.
“Over the last four years we have also completed a number of successful prosecutions for serious dog attacks resulting in substantial penalties for dog owners including convictions and orders banning offenders for owning dogs for 3-5 years,” she said.
We are extremely proud of the team at the Greater Shepparton Animal Shelter and the great results we have achieved over the past four years.
Background
The DAMP and subsequent Action Plan aimed to promote animal welfare, the responsible pet ownership of dogs and cats and the protection of the environment by providing schemes to:
With the conclusion of the DAMP 2013-2017 in 2017, officers have commenced development of the new Domestic Animal Management Plan 2018-2021 to guide animal management services over the next four years.
More News from Greater Shepparton
Wednesday 17th of September,
Disruption an immersive art exhibition is coming to Shepparton!
Greater Shepparton City Council’s Resilience in Recovery team is proud to present ‘Disruption’ a bold, immersive art exhibition coming to Shepparton from Saturday 18 to Friday 31 October 2025. Read more
Wednesday 17th of September,
Greater Shepparton City Council strengthens regional advocacy during strategic visit to Parliament
Greater Shepparton City Council led a successful two-day advocacy delegation to Parliament House in Melbourne last month, where delegates met with Ministers, Shadow Ministers, and senior advisors to champion key priorities for the region ahead of the… Read more
Wednesday 17th of September,
Be the heart of your community – Join a Community Asset Committee
Greater Shepparton City Council is calling on community-minded residents to join one of the many Greater Shepparton Community Asset Committees (CAC), which play a vital role in managing and maintaining some of our region’s most important community facilities. Read more
Friday 12th of September,
Planning the future of play: KidsTown consultation begins
Greater Shepparton City Council is inviting residents to take part in consultation opportunities for the revitalisation of the region’s much-loved and iconic KidsTown Adventure Playground. Following significant flood damage in 2022 and the ageing condition… Read more
Thursday 11th of September,
Young performers shine at Talent Show
Greater Shepparton City Council celebrated the creativity and skills of local young people at the recent Youth Talent Show, which brought colour, music and energy to the Winter City Market on Saturday 30 August at the Maude Street Precinct in Shepparton.… Read more
Wednesday 10th of September,
Growth surge opportunity for Greater Shepparton region
Greater Shepparton has recorded one of the most dramatic population shifts in the country, with a 229 per cent year-on-year increase in net internal relocations, driven largely by people moving from capital cities. Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Friday 19th of September,
Puff Walk
Let’s walk and talk. Read more
Monday 22nd of September,
Connecting with the Past at Shepparton Library - Using Ancestry.com
Learn how to start researching your family tree! Read more
Thursday 18th of September,
Vinyl, music, and our desire to collect with Jon Dale at SAM
Using Brett Whiteley’s record collection as an example, this talk considers the desires that underpin the chaos and order of the collection – and of the collector. Read more
Thursday 18th of September, – to Sunday 21st of September,
Legacy of The Horse
Legacy of the Horse – Australia’s Premier Colt Starting Championship, bringing world-class trainers, education, clinics, masterclasses, entertainment, Tatura this September. Read more
Saturday 20th of September, – to Sunday 21st of September,
Young Picasso Art Competition- Shepparton South Rotary Club
Shepparton South Rotary Club's Young Picasso Art Competition, is an exciting new opportunity for students from primary and secondary schools in the area. Prizes awarded to winning students. Read more
Monday 22nd of September, – to Friday 3rd of October,
School Holiday Activity - Giant Games at Shepparton Library
Giant Jamenga, Chess & Connect 4! Read more
See All Events