WENTWORTH Shire Council says it will ramp up patrols of Dareton township following repeated concerns about dogs roaming uncontrolled in the streets.
Councillors were last week told that trying to resolve the matters with the owners of the animals was “long gone” and they should be locked up.
Dareton-based councillor Peter Nunan told the council meeting several dogs continued to roam the streets unrestrained.
“If I take any more photos I’m going wear the bloody camera out on my phone,” Cr Nunan said.
“It was only yesterday they were in my front yard.
“Talking to the owners doesn’t work, they should be locked up.”
Cr Nunan said the council’s previous animal controller had spoken to the owners of the dogs on numerous occasions, yet the animals continued to roam free.
“The time for talk is long gone,” he said. “They should be locked up with the ratepayer to come out and get them registered and chipped and kept under control.
“We came down like a ton of bricks on a bloke who was doing everything right — absolutely crucified him — and these people are just flouting the law.”
Cr Nunan said the animals were causing some concern among Dareton residents.
“There are a couple of old people … who are quite fearful walking on the streets with a pack of three or four dogs walking at them — it gives them quite a start,” he said.
Council health and planning director Matthew Carlin said council workers had been told to increase their patrols in Dareton twice a day for not less than 30 to 45 minutes, both morning and afternoon.
“That will hopefully increase the ability of us to impound dogs that are roaming in and around the area of Dareton,” Mr Carlin said.
Councillors were told action was being taken to carry out a targeted companion animals campaign in Dareton.
Mr Carlin said the campaign would include collaboration with a local veterinary practice, Local Land Services and Department of Primary Industries veterinarians as well as university vet students to microchip and desex animals in the area.
“It will also give council officers the opportunity to engage with the community to provide education to animal owners,” he said.
Mr Carlin said the campaign was likely to begin in May once the scope of works and options had been finalised.
He said companion animals officers would continue to patrol the area and respond to customer inquiries and complaints.
