Domestic Animal Management Plan 2022-2026

Close up of a dogs face

Domestic Animal Management Plan

Council has approved the Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) which will be in place from 2022 to 2026.

Download the plan: Domestic Animal Management Plan 2022-2026(PDF, 11MB)

The new DAMP has been developed through two phases of community consultation and in line with regulatory and legislative requirements. The plan outlines how Council will manage dogs and cats within its municipal boundaries. 

Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, every Victorian local government must prepare a plan outlining how it will manage dogs and cats within its boundaries. The Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) identifies how Council will:

  • Help pets, pet owners and the general community to live together
  • Protect the environment and local wildlife from the negative impacts of dogs and cats
  • Balance the needs of those who own pets with those who do not
  • Address animal management welfare and legal issues
  • Promote responsible pet ownership
  • Improve the experience of animal ownership.

  

Project timelines

  • Phase one community consultations commenced 14 February 2022
    The initial consultation saw 301 surveys returned, 46 individual interviews and a meeting with the DAMP reference group.
  • Phase one community consultation closed 10 March 2022
  • Domestic Animal Management Plan 2022-2026 draft created (March/April 2022)
  • Phase two community consultation for draft completed (27 April 2022) 
  • Phase two community consultation closed (30 May 2022)
  • Final Domestic Animal Management Plan 2022-2026 completed by 27 June 2022