The construction of a new animal shelter will be investigated as part of Greater Shepparton City Council’s new domestic animal management plan, adopted at its October meeting.
The facility would include a community vet clinic and an area for conducting responsible pet ownership seminars and events.
According to the plan, the shelter opened in 2002 on Wanganui Rd is showing signs of wear and tear, and “no longer meets the community’s expectations for the level of service provided to the community”.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said it was one of the priorities or issues identified in the plan that council officers would focus on for the next four years.
The plan was finalised following two public consultation phases where council heard from residents about animal management issues that were of most concern.
Feedback in August saw amendments including reviewing the animal shelter premises and practices, consideration of a third off-leash dog park outside Shepparton and further de-sexing programs.
During the meeting, councillor Fern Summer tabled a new motion to include a provision for council to consider the feasibility of an outdoor no-kill cat shelter in future years.
She said the facility would address the spread of feral cat populations and reduce barriers in surrendering animals.
After a tied vote — with councillors Sali, Anthony Brophy, Geoff Dobson and Dinny Adem voting against — the motion lost with Cr Sali’s casting mayoral vote, and the original plan was adopted.
Other action areas in the plan include nuisance dogs and cats, registration, overpopulation and euthanasia, and off-leash parks.
“Thank you to each of the community members who took the time to provide feedback on the domestic animal management plan and helped sculpt our animal management service for the future,” Cr Sali said.
To view the plan, visit greatershepparton.com.au