Looking after your pets these summer holidays

Published on 11 December 2024

Pet owners living in or visiting the Gannawarra Shire are reminded to adhere to laws relating to responsible pet ownership these summer holidays.

The Christmas-New Year period can be a stressful time for dogs and cats thanks to extra visitors to the area, summer weather and New Year’s Eve fireworks displays planned for various locations.

“Spending time with loved ones during the Christmas and New Year period is special, and with that in mind it is important to look after our pets, who are also valued members of our families,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“By taking the time to prepare for major events and adhering to local laws relating to responsible pet ownership, you are making it easier for your cat or dog to cope.”

Pet owners can complete some simple steps to make this time of year more enjoyable for their animals:

• If you are going away during the Christmas holiday period and your pet cannot be properly cared for, please ensure they are placed in a boarding facility or arrange for someone to look after them.
• Ensure your pets have sufficient water, food and shelter from the heat and are provided with toys to prevent problem behaviours such as roaming and barking.
• If thunderstorms are forecast, ensure your pets are confined to your property.
• Plan ahead for New Year’s Eve fireworks displays scheduled for Cohuna and Kerang by ensuring your dogs and horses are in a secure location and are comfortable.

Meanwhile, people walking their dogs are reminded to adhere to Council’s Dogs and Cats – Designated Areas policy, which states that dogs must be kept on a leash at the following locations:

• At all recreation grounds within the municipality whilst a sporting fixture is taking place.
• Parks and playgrounds where children’s play equipment has been installed.
• Any local roads.
• Atkinson Park, Kerang.
• Apex Park, Cohuna.
• Garden Park, Cohuna.
• Gilrule Park, Cohuna.
• Gorton Point, Kangaroo Lake.

“Dogs can walk off-leash in other public places and at recreation reserves whilst a sporting fixture is not taking place, as long as they can respond to the owner’s command by the second call,” Mr Rollinson said.

Dog owners are also reminded that it is an offence for an owner to fail to carry a suitable animal litter device to clean up after their dog if required.

“Council recognises that the majority of pet owners are responsible and caring, however pet owners who do not clean up after their animals will face consequences for their actions and, as a result, may be fined,” Mr Rollinson said.

For more information regarding responsible pet ownership within the Gannawarra, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/animals or phone Council on (03) 5450 9333.