Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021

Consultation has concluded

Following a community survey and stakeholder consultation late last year, Mitchell Shire Council has developed a new Domestic Animal Management Plan, which has now been adopted.

Domestic Animal Management Plans are legislated and must be developed by all Councils across Victoria.

The plan outlines three key focus areas for Council over the next four years:

  • Improvements to Council’s pound facilities to cater for growth
  • Investigation of mandatory de-sexing of cats and a dusk to dawn cat curfew
  • Investigation of an on-leash dog policy, including the possibility of fenced off-leash areas

A range of secondary focus areas are also identified in the plan including:

  • Increasing animal registration and microchipping numbers
  • Reducing dogs wandering at large
  • Refined temperament testing of dogs and cats to increase rehoming and adoptions from the pound
  • Developing a 10-point guide for new pet owners


Following a community survey and stakeholder consultation late last year, Mitchell Shire Council has developed a new Domestic Animal Management Plan, which has now been adopted.

Domestic Animal Management Plans are legislated and must be developed by all Councils across Victoria.

The plan outlines three key focus areas for Council over the next four years:

  • Improvements to Council’s pound facilities to cater for growth
  • Investigation of mandatory de-sexing of cats and a dusk to dawn cat curfew
  • Investigation of an on-leash dog policy, including the possibility of fenced off-leash areas

A range of secondary focus areas are also identified in the plan including:

  • Increasing animal registration and microchipping numbers
  • Reducing dogs wandering at large
  • Refined temperament testing of dogs and cats to increase rehoming and adoptions from the pound
  • Developing a 10-point guide for new pet owners


Consultation has concluded

  • Domestic Animal Management Plan adopted

    Mitchell Shire Council's Domestic Animal Management Plan was adopted at the July Council Meeting.

    Thank you to everyone who provided their input along the way.

    Click HERE to view the plan.

  • Attention dog and cat owners - we want to hear from you!

    If you’ve got a kitty or a canine in the backyard at home, Mitchell Shire Council wants to hear from you.

    Council is in the process of developing a new Domestic Animal Management Plan, a legislated document that all Victorian Councils are required to produce every four years.

    Before a draft plan is put together, Council has developed a Community Survey to gather a range of information from dog and cat owners.

    The simply survey includes questions about several topics including animal registrations, de-sexing, possible cat curfews and interest in off-leash dog areas.

    Mitchell Shire Mayor Rhonda Sanderson said preparing a Domestic Animal Management Plan was an important way to improve animal management in the Shire.

    “Responsible pet ownership is really important and developing a new Domestic Animal Management Plan is an important way that Council can help people to do the right thing when it comes to taking care of their animals,” Cr Sanderson said.

    “The plan will help educate people about the benefits of registering their animals. It also aims to reduce the number of cats and dogs that end up in Council pounds, ensures the amenity of the community is of a high standard, and identifies opportunities where we can make improvements in our community for animals and their owners.

    “It’s well known that pets can improve wellbeing and bring people together – whether that is helping in a child’s development, reducing loneliness and isolation, or aiding with illnesses such as depression. That’s why it is so important to make sure our domestic animals are being managed as successfully as possible.

    “I’d encourage all pet owners to take the survey. We’re really keen to hear the ideas and opinions of our community and key stakeholders.”

    The survey is open until 5pm on Friday 15 December. A draft Domestic Animal Management Plan will then be formed and is expected to be presented to the community early next year for input.


  • Domestic Animal Management Plan - Community Survey

    *This survey is now closed*

    Mitchell Shire Council is in the process of developing a new Domestic Animal Management Plan.

    Domestic Animal Management Plans are legislated and must be developed by all Councils across Victoria.

    To help us, Council is conducting a simple Community Survey which will help inform the plan.

    Survey responses must be received by 5pm on Friday 15 December 2017.