Council's partnership approach to animal welfare, local laws matters

Published on 13 December 2024

Gannawarra Shire Council is partnering with other agencies to help address animal welfare and local laws matters.

As part of ongoing efforts to transition its Local Laws team, staff recently underwent training to become authorised Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (POCTA) inspectors, which have the power under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 to enter properties where they suspect on reasonable grounds that an animal’s welfare is in danger.

“Having our staff trained as authorised POCTA inspectors means we can act quickly on any reports relating to alleged animal cruelty or instances where an animal’s behaviour may cause death or serious injury to another person or animal,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“The accreditation process also means our team can assist other agencies, such as the RSPCA, to investigate larger cases of animal cruelty, however we always have the capacity to engage these agencies in instances where greater support and guidance is needed.”

Meanwhile, Victoria Police will work with Council’s Local Laws team to target heavy and long vehicle users that are not abiding by parking regulations. This follows on from Council receiving an increasing number of complaints relating to trucks travelling or parking along unapproved VicRoads heavy vehicle routes and residential streets, which is illegal under local and State legislation.

“We are entering our busiest time of the year for traffic and visitors, and the last thing any family needs to deal with is any incidents involving heavy and long vehicles travelling or parking in areas they are not meant to be,” Mr Rollinson said.

“Heavy and long vehicles can place the safety of residents at risk when they obscure the line of sight of drivers who back out of their driveways into street traffic, as well as reduce visibility of children and adults who need to cross the street in front of the stationary trucks.”

Residents can report instances of heavy and long vehicles being parked within residential areas by phoning Council on (03) 5450 9333.

ABOVE: Acting Senior Sergeant, Josh Coombs and Council's Community Amenity Coordinator, Olivia McNamara promote the joint local laws partnership between Victoria Police and Council.