Under Section 7 of the Dog Control Act 2000 the Huon Valley Council is to develop and implement a Policy in relation to dog management in the Municipal area.
The Dog Management Policy is to include the following:
- A code relating to responsible ownership of dogs.
- The provision of declared areas.
- A fee structure.
- Any other relevant matter.
Background
The Council at its May Council meeting considered a review of the current Dog Management Policy and approved a draft Huon Valley Dog Management Policy for the purposes of consultation.
The objectives of the Policy are to:
- Provide an operational framework for the actions necessary to meet the Council’s statutory obligations and responsibilities to ensure dog ownership within the municipal area.
- Minimise likely risk of threat or harm to the amenity and safety of the community.
- Facilitates the pleasures and benefits of dog ownership in a responsible and harmonious manner.
- Actively support and promote responsible dog ownership through the development of a code relating to responsible ownership of dogs.
- Ensure that owners of dogs comply with their obligations under the Act to prevent the danger caused by dogs to the public and to other dogs and animals.
- Provide, and review, those areas where dogs are permitted, both on-lead and off-lead, and areas where dogs are prohibited or restricted.
- Reduce the risk to the community from anti-social and straying dogs through education, routine patrols and the prompt investigation of concerns and complaints of dog-related issues. Where appropriate enforcement provisions of the Act and the Local Government Act 1993 will be utilised to penalise breaches of those statues.
