Following a robust community engagement process, Council formally adopted the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-2025 at the November Council meeting. The final plan (including accessible version) can be found in the documents section of this page. Council thanks our many residents who took the time to provide feedback on the draft plan by attending a community pop-up stall, participating in the survey and speaking with our Officers about the draft plan.

Council is asking for feedback on a draft Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) 2021-25 developed after community consultation earlier this year.

The draft Plan was developed using more than 3000 pieces of feedback gathered through online surveys and at pop-up consultation sessions held around the municipality earlier this year.

The draft Plan sets out how we create a harmonious environment between pets, people, other animals and our environment. And, how Council will oversee the management of cats and dogs from:

• handling nuisance complaints
• controlling overpopulation
• supervising ownership of restricted dog breeds
• monitoring domestic animal businesses

It also sets out the responsibilities of pet owners including animal registration, microchipping and making sure their animal is properly contained.

Among the feedback Council received during consultation with the community was the request for more action to be taken on roaming pet cats and stray cats because of the harm they cause to wildlife and the nuisance they create for neighbours.

Additionally, we heard many requests for action to encourage dog owners to pick up after their pets and keep them on leashes in public places.

This draft Plan contains a range of changes from the previous Plan, including the introduction of mandatory desexing of new cats registered with Council from 2022. Evidence from neighbouring councils showing that desexing cats has a positive impact on their behaviour and reduces the stray cat population within the community. This Plan proposes that Council work with local vet clinics to educate owners about the benefits of desexing their cats and develop a discounted pet desexing program for concession card holders.

The Plan also recommends Council undertake further community consultation in relation to the issue of a cat curfew within the municipality, looking at the experience of other councils.

Under the Plan, Council will also be partnering with the City of Darebin and Moreland City Council to promote the importance of dog socialisation and training. And, continue the education campaign to encourage dog owners to pick up after their pets and keep them on leashes in public places.

Take a look at the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan and let us know if you think we've got it right. You can leave a comment or ask a question in the Q&A section or watch the online information session recording below.

We spoke with a whole range of people including those who own pets, people who are impacted by domestic pets, vets, the RSPCA and shelters. We wanted to know how you think we and our community can better manage dogs and cats in the City of Whittlesea.

Why is this project important?

• To encourage responsible pet ownership to minimise the risk of dog attacks on people and animals.
• To encourage pet owners to register their dogs and cats so their animal can be easily identified.
• So we have an effective way to identify dangerous dogs, menacing dogs and restricted breed dogs to keep the community safe.
• To investigate ways to minimise the potential for dogs and cats to create a nuisance.
• To review strategies to address the over-population of domestic animals.
• To help pet owners to take responsibility for their animal’s behaviour.

Why are we doing this?

Our Domestic Animal Management Plan will set out the procedures for managing dogs and cats which will then determine how we invest our time and resources. The plan will outline how we will support domestic animal management including the safety and wellbeing of the wider community.

How people had their say:

● Completed the survey below by Thursday 29th April.

● Followed the conversation by hitting follow at the top of this page.

● Attended one of our community pop-ups.