Yarra Ranges Council wants feedback on domestic animal plan

CAT containment and reducing dog attacks are two key issues that one council wants to address in a new domestic animal plan.

CAT containment and reducing dog attacks are two key issues Yarra Ranges Council wants to address in a new domestic animal plan.

The council is calling for public comment on the plan, endorsed by councillors at last week's meeting.

Other key actions include reviewing the areas where dogs are allowed off-leash and reducing the incidence of dogs and cats wandering at large.

It comes a month after Knox Council put out its domestic animal plan for consultation.

Yarra Ranges has one of the highest number of dog attacks in Victoria, increasing by 17 per cent from 2009 to 2012.

There were 235 dog attacks and the council seized 103 dogs last year.

There have already been 92 attacks this year.

There are 17 declared dangerous dogs in the Yarra Ranges, and two restricted breed dogs.

"The main message is to ensure your pets are confined to your properties for their own protection and for the protection of others," Mayor Jim Child said.

Councillors Noel Cliff and Len Cox said wandering cats were also a major issue in the region.

"There just needs to be more control over cats," Cr Cox said.

Have your say on the council's website.

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