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 The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate.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 22nd of October,
Have your say and help shape Council’s 2026/2027 Budget
Work is already underway on Greater Shepparton City Council’s 2026/2027 Budget, and the community are encouraged to share their feedback to help shape the upcoming document. Read more
Wednesday 22nd of October,
AFS Shepparton Cup is back and set to draw thousands to Greater Shepparton
Shepparton Sports City and Mooroopna Recreation Reserve will again play host to the Australian Football Skool (AFS) Shepparton Cup this weekend, from Friday 24 October to Sunday 26 October 2025. Read more
Thursday 16th of October,
Community invited to participate in Aussie Bird Count
Greater Shepparton City Council and RiverConnect are encouraging community members to participate in Australia’s largest annual citizen science event – Aussie Bird Count. Read more
Tuesday 14th of October,
Council awards contract for construction of new Cosgrove Landfill Cell
Greater Shepparton City Council has awarded the construction contract for the next landfill cell at Cosgrove Three, securing future waste disposal capacity and supporting sustainable waste management across the region. Read more
Monday 13th of October,
Greater Shepparton secures back-to-back Australian Junior Motocross Championships
Greater Shepparton City Council, in partnership with the Goulburn Valley Junior Motorcycle Club, is proud to announce it has been selected to host the Australian Junior Motocross Championships in both 2026 and 2027. Read more
Thursday 9th of October,
Council urges community to have their say on VicGrid’s Renewable Energy Zone proposal
The Victorian Government, through VicGrid, has released its Victorian Transmission Plan, identifying several Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) across the state, in areas it considers most suitable for future solar and wind farm development. Read more
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More Events in Greater Shepparton
Monday 27th of October,
Connecting with the Past at Shepparton Library - Guide to the State Library of Victoria Resources
An introduction to the amazing historic resources offered by the State Library Victoria. Read more
Friday 31st of October,
Puff Walk
A new day, a new walk! Read more
Tuesday 28th of October,
Size Inclusive Approach Forum
Join us at Victoria Park Lake for a free forum with keynote speakers and a panel of experts exploring the size-inclusive approach. Read more
Wednesday 29th of October,
Musical Dialogues: From Bach to Bluegrass
'Musical Dialogues: From Bach to Bluegrass' showcases the principal players of the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra in an intimate evening of chamber music spanning three centuries. Read more
Sunday 26th of October,
Anna Smyrk 'Garden-Variety Tour'
Celebrating her new single ‘Garden-Variety Grief’, Anna Smyrk is embarking on a pop-up community garden tour. Free and all ages. Pack a picnic rug or folding chair, a picnic to enjoy and books for the… Read more
Wednesday 29th of October,
Puff Walk
Fresh air, easy pace, good company – that’s what our Puff Walks are all about. Read more
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