Busy time for Local Laws

Published on 01 September 2025

Local Laws officers are among the most common faces of Council out and about in Loddon Shire communities, and just how busy they have been can be seen in a new report.

The Local Laws and Planning Compliance Quarterly Activity Report shows for example that they were called out to 544 animal management issues during 2024-25, or an average of more than 10 each week.

There were 124 cases of wandering livestock, 78 of trespassing livestock, 24 dog attacks, 55 domestic animals at large, 38 cat traps distributed and 225 other complaints.

During that time 383 animals were impounded – 233 head of livestock, 80 dogs, 32 cats and 38 feral animals.

Of non-feral animals, 126 were returned to their owners and 244 were rehomed – the data for these animals includes those impounded before 2024-25.

Local Laws duties extend beyond animal control though – fire prevention, investigating littering or illegal dumping on Council-managed land, unsightly properties and planning compliance and enforcement are among other duties.

Loddon Shire Mayor Dan Straub said that while officers worked within the legal framework set by the State Government and Council’s Local Law, they worked proactively with property and animal owners to achieve a positive outcome.

“Dealing with these matters can be costly, so it benefits everyone when we can work through as quickly and respectfully as we can,” he said.

“At the end of the day the work we do benefits the whole community; it keeps our towns looking their best, makes sure development is done the right way, keeps people safe, and supports responsible care of pets and livestock.”