A storm of protest has erupted on the picturesque South Coast of New South Wales as Eurobodalla Shire Council pushes forward with a controversial new animal management policy. The proposed law would impose a strict two-pet limit on all households, a move branded as 'draconian' and 'heartless' by furious locals and animal lovers.
The council claims the amendment to its Companion Animals Management Policy is a necessary measure to promote responsible pet ownership and curb issues like nuisance barking and strays. However, residents argue it represents a gross overreach by a 'nanny state' council that will punish responsible owners and tear beloved pets from their families.
Residents Fight Back Against 'Soul-Destroying' Rule
At a heated council meeting this week, the community's anger was palpable. One distraught resident pleaded with councillors, stating the rule would force an impossible choice upon her family. "We have three dogs... they are our family. To choose which one to get rid of would be soul-destroying," she emotionally testified.
The backlash has been swift and organised. An online petition campaigning against the two-pet limit has already garnered over 1,700 signatures, demonstrating the depth of local opposition. Critics of the plan highlight the lack of consultation and its one-size-fits-all approach, which fails to distinguish between negligent owners and those providing exceptional care to multiple animals.
The Council's Defence
In defence of the proposal, Eurobodalla Shire Council maintains that the limit is a standard tool used by many local governments across Australia. Officials argue it will help manage the environmental impact of pets, reduce attacks on wildlife, and address complaints from neighbours about uncontrolled animals.
A council spokesperson stated the policy is designed to be proactive, aiming to prevent problems before they start rather than simply reacting to them. The council also emphasised that existing pet owners with more than two animals would be offered an 'amnesty period' to register their pets, potentially allowing them to keep their current animals under a grandfather clause, though details remain unclear.
What Happens Next?
The fate of the proposed pet limit now hangs in the balance. The council has confirmed the policy is not yet finalised and will be subject to further review in October, following the overwhelming public feedback.
This clash in Eurobodalla shines a national spotlight on the tensions between local government regulation and the rights of residents, asking a fundamental question: how far should councils go in dictating what happens within the family home?
