Animal Management Plans

In accordance with section 26A of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, councils must prepare a plan relating to the management of dogs and cats within its area.

• A plan of management must include provisions for parks where dogs may be exercised off-leash and for parks where dogs must be under effective control by means of physical restraint, and may include provisions for parks where dogs are prohibited.

• A plan of management must be prepared and presented to the Board as follows:

(a) the first plan must cover a 5 year period and be prepared and presented within 3 years after the commencement of this section;

(b) subsequent plans must cover subsequent 5 year periods and each plan must be prepared and presented at least 6 months before it is to take effect.

• A plan of management must be approved by the Board before it takes effect.

A council may, with the approval of the Board, amend a plan of management at any time during the course of the 5 year period covered by the plan.