Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-2025 adopted

Council has this week adopted a new Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP), which sets out guidelines for managing dogs and cats as well as compliance around responsible pet ownership over the next four years.

Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Mike Symon, said that in addition to addressing animal welfare management, the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-2025 sought to protect the environment and local wildlife from the potential negative impacts of dogs and cats. The plan also covers pet registration, restricted breeds and ownership limits.

“Maroondah is currently home to more than 20,300 registered cats and dogs, and we have a duty to manage their welfare and place in our community,” Cr Symon said.

“Council recognises that dogs and cats have an impact on the health, wellbeing and the lives of our community as a whole. Our objective is to encourage people to manage pets in a way that protects the health and welfare of the animal, maximises the companion benefits, and minimises potential nuisance or harm to others,” he said.

It is a requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 that all Victorian Councils have a Domestic Animal Management plan, which must be updated every four years.

Cr Symon thanked pet owners and non-pet owners alike, whose feedback to Council’s DAMP survey and draft plan earlier this year assisted in bringing about the final plan, he said.

“We appreciate the community’s input when invited to take part during consultation. The responses received has given us a better understanding of residents’ views and priorities when it comes to balancing the needs of pet owners with the rest of our community,” he said.

Developed by Council’s Animal Management Team, the plan also draws on research, benchmarking and consultation from across the state.

See Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-2025.

For more information on pet care and management, dogs and cats in public places, and desexing, visit Responsible pet ownership or call us on 1300 88 22 33.

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