Dog and cat registrations help ensure that lost pets can be quickly reunited with your family, giving you peace of mind should your pet ever go missing.

When your puppy or kitten reaches 12 weeks of age, they need to be microchipped and registered with us. Registrations are renewable every year by 10 April.

Once your pet is registered, we will send you a tag for your pet that will help us return them to you if they ever go missing.

Discounts apply for pensioners and approved organisations. There are also discounts for desexed pets. When you renew your registration, simply show us a vet certificate as proof of desexing.

Find out more and register your pet at our website.

Manningham Council is urging pet owners to ensure that their animals are safe and secure during the festive season.

Celebrations and fireworks displays can disturb some domestic pets and Council is asking owners to secure their pets.

Dogs, especially, have extremely sensitive hearing and the noise from fireworks and thunderstorms can cause them to panic and become distressed.

Many dogs do abnormal things when stressed, like jumping over, chewing through or digging under fences. This can create a very unsafe situation for everyone, causing traffic hazards and sometimes fear aggression in dogs.

Fireworks are planned for the evenings of Manningham Carols (around 10.00 pm Friday 16 December, 2016), on New Year’s Eve and during Australia Day celebrations (January 26, 2017). Throughout summer there can also be severe thunderstorms.

If owners are concerned that fireworks and thunderstorms may affect their dog, they are urged to have someone stay with their animal or alternatively secure their animal(s) in the house or garage and ensure their dog is wearing a collar and tag, with relevant contact details attached.

Generally, Council has been able to recover and re-house the majority of pets without impounding the animals, highlighting the advantages of ensuring your pet is registered.

Dogs distressed by fireworks or thunderstorms that escape their premises can travel large distances.

If your pet escapes, check with neighbours, check Council’s lost animals page at www.manningham.vic.gov.au/lost-animals or call the Manningham Pound on 9840 9333. Other places to check are local vet practices, neighbouring Council Pounds and animal shelters.

Manningham Council is urging pet owners to ensure that their animals are safe and secure across the festive season.

Celebrations and fireworks displays can disturb some domestic pets and Council is asking owners to secure their pets.

Dogs, especially, have extremely sensitive hearing and the noise from fireworks and thunderstorms can cause them to panic and become distressed.

Many dogs do abnormal things when stressed, like jumping over, chewing through or digging under fences. This can create a very unsafe situation for everyone, causing traffic hazards and sometimes fear aggression in dogs.

Fireworks are planned for the evenings of Manningham Carols (Friday 11 Dec), on New Year’s Eve and during Australia Day celebrations (Jan 26, 2016) and throughout summer there are often severe thunderstorms.

If owners are concerned that fireworks and thunderstorms affect their dog, they are urged to have someone stay with their animal or alternatively securing your animal in the house or garage and ensure their dog is wearing a collar and tag, with relevant contact details attached.

Generally, Council has been able to recover and re-house the majority of these pets without impounding the animals, highlighting the advantages of ensuring your pet is registered.

Dogs distressed by fireworks or thunderstorms that escape their premises can travel large distances.

If your pet escapes check with your neighbours, the Manningham Pound on 9840 9333, local vet practices and neighbouring Council Pounds and Animal shelters.

It takes just six minutes or less for an animal to suffer severe heat exhaustion in a car and die, so pet owners are urged to be aware of the dangers of leaving animals in cars in the coming hotter months.

Manningham Mayor Cr Jim Grivokostopoulos said temperatures inside a car can reach over 40C on a 23C day and in that sort of heat an animal can die in less than six minutes.

“Melbourne’s Metropolitan Ambulance Service undertook tests on a 29 degree day that showed how quickly temperatures inside a car can rise.”

“Even with the car’s air conditioning having initially cooled the interior to a comfortable 20 degrees, showed it took just 10 minutes for the temperature to more than double to 44 degrees.”

“In a further 10 minutes it had tripled to a deadly 60.2 degrees. In animals, as with humans, exposure to these types of temperatures can be extremely dangerous.”

Cr Grivokostopoulos said Council is urging owners to reconsider whether they should take a pet out in the heat as it is often kinder and more responsible to leave the dog at home with water and shade.

“Dogs are particularly at risk as they cool themselves by panting. If the air around a dog is too hot, particularly if they don’t have access to water, they are physically unable to regulate their body temperature.”

“Even if the car is parked in the shade or windows are left down, the temperature inside a car on a hot day can reach hazardous levels.”

“In the time it takes to pick up a few things for dinner at the supermarket and get through the supermarket check out, a dog left in a hot car could have already died an agonising death,” he said.

If you find a pet left in a hot car, please call Victoria Police on 000. Police are equipped to dispatch officers quickly from the nearest police station, which is critical under these circumstances.

Wild deer are a growing problem in suburban areas such as Templestowe, East Doncaster and Bulleen and other parts of the Yarra River Catchment.

Deer cause significant damage to native vegetation, farmland and gardens, carry disease and have the potential to harm people.

A forum organised by Manningham Council has bought attention to the issue and sought a collaborative approach to its solution.

“Managing the impact of wild deer populations on residents is a problem across all of government. We need to find appropriate solutions,” says Manningham Council Director of Environment and Planning, Teresa Dominic.

“Safety around Manningham is a big concern. Fully grown Sambar deer are as big as a cow and all males have antlers. Deer have been spotted in residential areas and caused car accidents. With growing deer populations, getting on top of this issue now is important.”

The forum discussed the environmental and safety impacts of wild deer populations, as well as management issues, including the roles and responsibilities of various agencies.

The State Government has commenced planning for a Deer Management Strategy for Victoria, to be completed in June 2018. The findings of the parliamentary enquiry into deer hunting on Crown Land are to be released in June 2017.

Attendees at the Yarra Catchment Deer Forum agreed to meet again to develop a plan of action towards a proactive Integrated Deer Management Program in the Yarra Catchment.

Event details: Yarra Catchment Deer Forum, March 23rd 2017

Attendees included: DEWLP, Parks Vic, Port Phillip Catchment Management Authority, Victorian National Parks Association, Melbourne Water, Landcare, Yarra Ranges Council, Nillumbik Council, Maroondah Council, Knox Council, researchers, Game Management Authority and Vic Police.

- ENDS –

Media enquiries contact Juanita Haisman on 9840 9402.

Manningham Council is seeking feedback on its Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021 which is now on public exhibition until Monday 21 August.

The draft plan has been developed following community consultation and outlines Council’s key actions for the management of dogs and cats over the next four years.

The Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021 includes a range of new and ongoing actions across a variety of areas such as registration and identification of dogs and cats, nuisance complaints, dog attacks, domestic animal businesses and more.

Community members are encouraged to view the draft plan and provide feedback online at www.yoursaymanningham.com.au/domestic-animals

Hard copies of the draft plan are available for viewing at the Bulleen, Doncaster, The Pines and Warrandyte libraries and the Manningham Civic Centre.

Feedback can be provided in writing online or by post to the Manager Health and Local Laws, Manningham City Council, PO Box 1, Doncaster 3108.

The Domestic Animal Management Plan is a legislative requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994. For the purpose of this plan, domestic animals refer to dogs and cats only.

Manningham Council has made changes to dog controls in the Warrandyte River Reserve to ensure dogs remain on lead near the Warrandyte Bridge including the recently upgraded Lions Park area.

The change has been introduced to support safety for residents and visitors to this area and those enjoying the newly upgraded community facilities within the reserve.

Dogs must be on lead within the newly designated on lead area, which is a 260 metre section of the Warrandyte River Reserve, between 183 Yarra Street and the Warrandyte Bridge.

The new on lead area is in accordance with Council’s resolution in September 2020, which introduced

across Manningham. This order was introduced in line with the Domestic Animals Act 1994.

There are still sections within the Warrandyte River Reserve that are designated as off lead areas.

In Manningham, dogs are only permitted off lead in designated areas providing the dog is kept under control at all times. Dogs must be on lead within 15 metres of:

• public barbecue facilities
• children's play equipment
• organised sporting events
• approved community functions or public outdoor meetings.

There can be penalties for owners who let their dog off their lead in areas where it is not permitted.

It is important to note that dogs are not permitted within the Federation Playspace area of this reserve.

For more information, call 9840 9333.

Warrandyte River Reserve - dog on and off lead areas

We love our pooches in Manningham. You've told us which dog friendly parks get your dog's wag of approval and here are your top 5 revealed.

Get out and about and test out one of the top 5 on your next walk.

5. Finns Reserve

Perfect for dogs who love a long walk. 

Duncan Street, Lower Templestowe

The surrounding bushland trails of Finns Reserve will let you and your dog be one with nature and keep away from the hustle and bustle of the streets.

In open spaces near Wombat Bend enjoy a game of fetch or tug of war. Don't forget that you will need to keep a distance of 15 metres from the playground.

Visit Finns Reserve - Wombat Bend.

4. Banksia Park

Perfect for your morning walkies

3 Templestowe Road,  Bulleen

Located near the Yarra River and managed by Parks Victoria, the off leash area at Banksia Park gives you stunning views while both you and your pooch stretch your legs.

If your furry friend wants to run off lead, the Cherry Blossom Loop of Banksia Park is fenced so you can easily keep your eye on dogs who may like to wander. 

You can also pop a leash on your pet and take a walk around the rest of Banksia Park. Bring a rug and a bite to eat and enjoy the picnic perfect park.

Visit Banksia Park.

3. Aranga Reserve

The perfect place for your dog to show off to their doggy friends.

Eastway Avenue, Donvale

This is a great place for you to train your furry companion, for socialisation or agility training.

Aranga Reserve is Manningham's dog activity hub. The fully fenced dog activity centre will help keep your dog safe while they socialise with the other dogs.

Energetic pups can jump, crawl and climb using the range of agility equipment on offer at Aranga Reserve

Why not make it a family outing, and bring a picnic to eat at the nearby picnic tables and let your children have fun on the playground.

Visit Aranga Reserve.

2. Warrandyte River Reserve 

Yarra Street, Warrandyte

Head to Warrandyte for your next dogs' day out and let them take in the sights and smells that beautiful Warrandyte has to offer.

Sit by the tranquil and picturesque Yarra River and simply watch the world go by. Or explore the walking trail with your canine companion, enjoying the natural bush area.

Finish your day with a treat at one of the many local cafes - a great day out for humans and dogs.

Visit Warrandyte River Reserve.

1. Ruffey Lake Park 

Enough space for your dogs to roam to their heart's desire - it’s the park that has it all

There are plenty of walking tracks throughout the park or if running wildly through the grass is your dog's thing, then Ruffey Lake Park is all their doggy dreams come true.

If all that running has made you and your pooch thirsty, then refresh at one of the pet friendly drinking fountains.

With plenty of playgrounds, barbecues, picnic tables and toilets, you can make it a full day outing with the whole family.

To protect vegetation in the park, there are some areas that are fenced, so please remember to keep your dog out of these areas. Plan your next trip to Ruffey Lake Park with your dog.

Visit Ruffey Lake Park. 

Manningham Council is reviewing its Domestic Animal Management Plan and is seeking input from the community on what its priorities should be for managing dogs and cats over the next four years.

All Councils across Victoria are required to develop a Domestic Animal Management Plan once every four years under the Domestic Animals Act 1994.

Manningham is a great place for dogs and cats with approximately 16,000 – including 11,500 dogs and 4,500 cats – registered to residents across the City.

There are a range of key areas that Council must address as part of the plan and the community is being invited to have their say on these, including:

• Registration and identification of dogs and cats
• Nuisance complaints
• Dog attacks and declared dogs
• Overpopulation and euthanasia rates
• Domestic animal businesses, such as kennels and catteries.

The Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021 will assist in guiding Council’s management of dogs and cats over the next four years.

To have your say, visit www.yoursaymanningham.com.au/domestic-animals

The initial consultation for this plan closes on Friday 2 June 2017.

Manningham has a number of dog-friendly open spaces and invites the community to nominate their favourite. 

As part of its Top 5 Manningham series, launched earlier in the year, Council will be opening a poll for residents and their pooches to vote for their favourite dog park. 

Manningham Mayor Cr Andrew Conlon said Manningham had a lot of fantastic on and off-leash dog parks for residents and their four-legged friends that encourage everyone to get out and about.    

“One of the key themes in Council’s four-year plan is fostering healthy communities,” he said. 

“Dog parks provide a safe place for pets and their owners to gather for both exercising and socialising.” 

The poll is available on Council’s website and is open to everyone until 5.00pm, Monday 5 March, with results revealed shortly after.    

Earlier in the year, the community nominated Ruffey Lake Park in Victoria Street Doncaster East as the top playspace.

Its plentiful play equipment, picturesque scenery and safe walking tracks were some of the many reasons it was voted in at the top spot.    

Wombat Bend in Lower Templestowe, Currawong Bush Park in Doncaster East, Federation Playground at Warrandyte River Reserve and Manna Gum Playground in Doncaster East rounded up the top five play spaces in Manningham. 

Photograph and interview opportunities are available. 

Manningham Council is reviewing its Domestic Animal Management Plan and is seeking input from the community on what its priorities should be for managing dogs and cats over the next four years.

All Councils across Victoria are required to develop a Domestic Animal Management Plan once every four years under the Domestic Animals Act 1994.

Manningham is a great place for dogs and cats with approximately 13,330 – including 9,723 dogs and 3,607 cats – registered to residents across the City.

There are a range of key areas that Council will address as part of the plan and the community is being invited to have their say on these, including:

• Registration and identification of dogs and cats
• Nuisance dog and cat complaints
• Dog aggression and attacks
• Dog walking in Manningham
• Lost and found animals
• Domestic animal businesses, such as kennels and catteries.

The Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-2025 guiding us managing dogs and cats over the next four years.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Andrew Conlon said that consultation on the Domestic Animal Management Plan is important for Council to understand what our residents care about.

“Community engagement on the DAMP will help us better understand our resident’s current thinking about cat and dog management in Manningham. We’ll use their feedback to directly inform the plan.”

To have your say, visit the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-2025 Your Say Manningham page.

We will use your feedback to help inform what actions should be included in the Domestic Animal Management plan 2021-2025.

Consultation closes at 5.00pm on Sunday 27 June.

Council has an interpreter service that can be reached on (03) 9840 9355 for any resident that would like to call and arrange to speak to someone in their own language about any Manningham Council matter including this plan.

With the weather becoming finer, it’s the perfect time to be getting out and about with your favourite doggo!

Remember to always take a dog poo bag with you whenever you head out. Dog owners must remove and dispose of their dog’s waste.

We have handy poo bag pouches available for use. You can attach the pouch to your dog’s lead to help you to always have a poo bag with you. If you would like one of these pouches, call Council on 9840 9333.

Owners who do not pick up after their dog or who do not carry a bag when walking their pet in a public place face fines of $200.

The Friends of Manningham Dogs and Cats (FOMDAC) has opened revamped clubrooms at Aranga Reserve in Donvale to provide a meeting room and outdoor area that can be used for dog-related activities.

Next to the clubrooms is the well-used Dog Activity Centre – a fully-fenced open area where dog owners can train and exercise their dogs off lead. In addition to the large exercise area there is some simple agility equipment and a smaller fenced area for puppies and small dogs.

As an organisation, FOMDAC aims to promote responsible pet ownership, to represent and advocate the legitimate needs of dog and cat owners, and to act as a resource for the community on issues involving dog and cat owners.

Membership is open to all pet-owning and pet-loving Manningham residents, and provides a way of being kept informed of relevant issues and being part of the advocacy role FOMDAC has had with Council since 1996.

The clubrooms are regularly rented by puppy preschool trainers, dog trainers and breed clubs, which make use of the large open space. Importantly, the flooring is suitable for dogs – and any unexpected accidents – and there is a built-in dog wash facility and drying table, a kitchen, storage rooms and a well-fenced outdoor area that is easily supervised from inside the building.

For more information visit the FOMDAC website.