Council
10 July, 2025
Caramut’s crackdown on roaming dogs
MOYNE Shire councillors have thrown their support behind a community petition amid growing fears unleashed dogs on a small town’s main street pose safety concerns.
Councillors voted to formally designate the main street of Caramut as a signed dog-on- leash area at last month’s Ordinary Meeting of Council.
The vote followed a petition which had been signed by 33 individuals, lodged with the shire on May 16, calling on council to address the issue of unleashed dogs on the main street of Caramut due to growing safety concerns.
Councillors received the petition despite a review finding it did not comply with the requirements outlined in council’s Petition Policy.
Specifically, the petition did not include a summary of the issue at the top of each page containing signatures.
“We have noted that, strictly speaking, the petition doesn’t meet formal guidelines for a petition but officers do recommend that council receive the petition and refer to the chief executive officer for action,” Moyne Shire Council director environment, economy and place Jodie McNamara said.
Councillor Myra Murrihy sought clarification on the item, noting dogs in Moyne Shire are already required to be on a leash and seeking clarification the item would result in signage being erected as a reminder dogs need to be on-leash in the shire.
“Our local laws and domestic animals act does require dogs to be on a lead in all public areas, apart from those parks and different areas that are declared to be off-lead” Ms McNamara said.
“It is a requirement.”
The item was moved by councillor Lisa Ryan who spoke in favour of the recommendation.
“This doesn’t change any requirements under Moyne’s local law,” she said.
“I do applaud the Caramut community for speaking up for an issue that they have recognised within their community.
“I’d just like to remind our community the importance of responsible dog ownership – this means dogs on-lead in public areas, picking up after them, ensuring they’re registered and microchipped and being mindful of their behaviour around others.
“Responsible pet ownership helps our public spaces be safe, clean and enjoyable for everyone.”
Councillor Susan Taylor said while the petition did not comply with the relevant policy, council was acting within the best interests of the community on a matter which was known to be a point of concern.
“I’m just noting that although it was determined the petition doesn’t comply with the formal requirements, it is within the remit of local laws to erect signage,” she said.
“Council and officers have had in-person consultation with the community, which has verified the validity of intent of the petition.”
Cr Murrihy called on the community to review the guidelines when submitting a petition to ensure it can be received.
“It’s a publicly available report, you can see the petition didn’t meet the guidelines of a petition, however there is validity which is why we’re discussing it now,” she said.
“I would like to reiterate to our community that if you would like to present us with a petition, just make sure you have a look at the petition guidelines and make sure something like a little technicality might not render it invalid.”
Councillors unanimously supported the recommendation.
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