Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029

Corangamite Shire Council is inviting community feedback on domestic animal issues as we prepare the Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) 2026–2029.

A DAMP outlines how Council will manage dogs and cats in our community over the next four years. It includes strategies for:

• Promoting responsible pet ownership (e.g. registration, microchipping, desexing)
• Addressing nuisance issues like barking, roaming animals, and dog attacks
• Collaborating with shelters, vets, and pet-related businesses
• Educating the community and ensuring public safety

Highlights from the 2021–2025 Plan

• Free Cat Desexing Program for concession card holders (now closed)
• Expanded shelter partnerships to rehome more stray and surrendered animals
• Growth in the Cat Trapping Program to manage feral and stray cats
• Increased use of social media to reunite lost pets with their owners
• Dog Attack Assessment Flow Chart introduced for fair and consistent investigations
• Rise in desexed pets thanks to targeted incentives

Key Goals for the 2026–2029 Plan

1. Skilled staff – Officers are trained and equipped to deliver the plan
2. Informed community – Residents understand pet laws and responsibilities
3. Improved compliance – More pets registered and microchipped
4. Safer community – Fewer roaming dogs, nuisance complaints, and attacks
5. Risk management – Dangerous dogs are identified and monitored
6. Better cat management – Reduced roaming and feral cat populations
7. Animal welfare – Suitable animals are rehomed wherever possible
8. Business regulation – Pet businesses meet all legal and ethical standards
9. Continuous improvement – Programs are regularly reviewed and updated

We want to hear from you!
Your feedback will help shape how we manage domestic animals in Corangamite Shire.

View the draft plan