The DAMP is a plan created by the City of Whittlesea to show how cats and dogs are managed in our community. It aims to balance the needs of pet owners, the wider community, and the environment.

The law says every council in Victoria must create a DAMP every four years. This plan sets out the services, programs and rules Council uses to manage cats and dogs in the area.

The DAMP sets goals and rules for how cats and dogs are looked after in Whittlesea. It includes things like pet registration, safety, education programs, and how Council deals with problems. It’s all about helping people be responsible pet owners and keeping the community safe.

Council staff use the DAMP to make decisions and plan services for pet owners—like dog off-leash areas and managing stray animals. It’s important to residents because it affects how animals are cared for and how issues like barking or roaming pets are handled.

The DAMP helps Council work with animal shelters, pet welfare groups, and local businesses. Together, they aim to improve animal care and encourage responsible pet ownership.

No. Even if you don’t own a pet, the DAMP helps protect local wildlife, reduce noise or mess caused by animals, and make neighbourhoods safer and more pleasant for everyone.

It’s a legal requirement in Victoria. Updating the DAMP every four years makes sure Council is using up-to-date information and the best ways to care for animals and support the community.

Council used a four-step process:

• Research and data collection
• Asking the community for feedback (surveys, pop-ups)
• Planning with nearby councils

• Responsible pet ownership
• Reducing the impact of pets on the environment and people
• Improving animal welfare through desexing and cat containment rules

Cat owners must keep their cats on their property at all times. This protects wildlife, prevents fights with other cats, and stops nuisance behaviour like spraying or roaming.

Desexing helps control the cat population, stops unwanted kittens, and can improve your cat’s health and behaviour.

Community engagement and internal data analysis have highlighted important insights into dog desexing in our community. Council data shows that approximately 55% of impounded dogs are not desexed, and in 99% of prosecuted dog attacks, the dogs involved were not desexed.

These findings suggest a potential link between desexing and animal behaviour outcomes. However, further research and engagement with our community and stakeholders is essential to fully understand the implications and community sentiment around mandatory desexing policies.

You can take part in surveys, join the focus group, visit pop-up sessions, or give feedback online.

Yes. Council provides off-leash areas where dogs can run freely. Owners must still supervise their dogs and keep them under control.

You can:

• Subscribe to Council’s newsletters
• Visit the Council website
• Follow the DAMP project at engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/damp26