The policy addresses responsible ownership, declared areas, the fee structure, education, complaints and nuisances, the dog pound and monitoring and evaluation. 

Director of community and development services Lynette While said the council was required to review the policy every five years as a standard legal obligation. 

“It’s to make people know that there is a legal obligation to maintain control and to take care of it appropriately and for it not to cause a nuisance. Everyone has a responsibility around looking after their animal,” she said.

“All of our policies come up to be reviewed frequently, but there is a Dog Management Act that requires that this one is reviewed and that we put it out for public comment.” 

Ms While said she didn’t expect any changes to come of the policy review.

“You never know what people will come up with, which is one of the advantages of putting things out to the public, you have that enormous brain power of thoughts and ideas.”

The last policy change was five years ago in 2012. 

Ms While said to her understanding there had been no issues with the current policy, but encourages residents to review it themselves. 

“It would be really great if people would take an interest in it because it does affect many of our residents,” she said.

Once the submissions have closed the policy will be reviewed. 

“After the review our normal process is that we will go back to councillors as a group and let them know about any submissions or comments that we have received and whether we need to make any amendments to the policy or readopt it as it stands,” Ms While said.  

The policy is aiming to be reviewed during the June council meeting. 

“We’re trying to get it all done it the current financial year because it is an item in our current financial plan,” Ms While said. 

In the Meander Valley, dogs are required to be registered and micro chipped from six months of age.

Submissions are to be made in writing to the general manager by May 26.