Council responds to new dog legislation

Melton Shire Council has been swift in responding to recent new State Government legislation to more effectively regulate the keeping of restricted breed dogs.

Council has initiated measures to complement the intent of the new legislation.

Melton Shire Council Mayor, Cr Justin Mammarella JP, said: “Council is committed to protecting the community from dangerous dogs and to enforce its powers in the identification and regulation of restricted breed dogs including, but not restricted to, American Pit Bulls.”

Council is aware there have been reports from other municipalities that some people are releasing their restricted breed dogs on to the street rather than meeting the strict regulations designed to keep these animals in check.

Cr Mammarella: “Council encourages owners to voluntarily surrender their unwanted restricted breed dogs to the Melton Pound and has waived the fee for such surrenders.

“Since December last year, Council has been undertaking a proactive doorknock program across the municipality to locate and identify unregistered animals including restricted breed dogs. This proactive doorknock program will be ongoing.”

The amnesty to register restricted breed dogs will end on 29 September 2011 meaning that after this date any unregistered restricted breed dog can be seized by Council officers and subsequently destroyed.

Anyone believing they know the location of an unregistered restricted breed dog can phone the dangerous dog hotline on 1300 10 10 80 between 8am and 6pm and the details will be passed on to the relevant municipal Council.

For more information on the registration and housing of cats and dogs contact Melton Shire Council on 9747 7200.