Reminder to clean up after your pets in public spaces

Published on 18 October 2023

Dog and cat owners are reminded to clean up after their pets whilst using public spaces within the Gannawarra Shire.

Council has received an increasing number of reports of owners not cleaning up excrement from their dogs or cats on public spaces, including Council-managed reserves, footpaths and nature strips.

“Spending time exercising with your pet is a great way to keep active, socialise and explore the Gannawarra, however coming across excrement left by another animal is something residents should not have to put up with,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“Excrement left on open spaces is not just a nuisance, it is bad for our health and our environment, including native plants and animals.”

As part of Council’s Community Amenity Local Law 2023, dog and cat owners must clean up any excrement from their pets on Council-managed land, and must carry with them litter disposal devices, such as litter bags, when out with their pets. Refusal to do either of these can result in a fine of $192.31.

To assist with clean-up efforts, Council-managed animal litter bag dispensers are located at several popular parks and reserves, including Atkinson Park at Kerang, Cohuna’s Apex Park and the Koondrook Wharf.

“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.