Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026–2029

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Consultation has concluded, thank you for your feedback

Project Status

Consultation closed
Community feedback has been collected and was used to finalise the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026–2029

Overview

Mitchell Shire Council prepared the Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026–2029 in line with the Domestic Animals Act 1994, which requires Victorian councils to develop a Domestic Animal Management Plan every four years.

The plan outlines how Council intended to manage dogs and cats, meet legislative requirements, and support responsible pet ownership across the Shire.

Earlier in the process, Council sought community input through a Pet Survey and direct conversations with key stakeholders. This feedback informed the draft plan, which was made available for public review before finalisation.

 What We Proposed

The draft plan focused on five key community issues:

  • Dogs being walked off leash in public places without effective control.
  • Impacts of owned, semi‑owned, and feral cats on the natural environment.
  • Dogs at large, particularly in newer estates.
  • Concerns about animals involved in situations of domestic violence.
  • Need for pet‑related education materials and programs for new residents, new pet owners, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

The community was invited to:

  • Read the Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026–2029.
  • Provide feedback through the online form.
  • Vote for their favourite Mitchell Shire pet for inclusion in the final plan.
  • Attend drop‑in sessions across the Shire.
  • Submit written feedback via email, post, or at Customer and Library Service Centres.

Consultation closed on Monday 4 August 2025.

If you have questions please contact Adam Evans PH 03 5734 6200 Adam.Evans@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au

Project Status

Consultation closed
Community feedback has been collected and was used to finalise the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026–2029

Overview

Mitchell Shire Council prepared the Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026–2029 in line with the Domestic Animals Act 1994, which requires Victorian councils to develop a Domestic Animal Management Plan every four years.

The plan outlines how Council intended to manage dogs and cats, meet legislative requirements, and support responsible pet ownership across the Shire.

Earlier in the process, Council sought community input through a Pet Survey and direct conversations with key stakeholders. This feedback informed the draft plan, which was made available for public review before finalisation.

 What We Proposed

The draft plan focused on five key community issues:

  • Dogs being walked off leash in public places without effective control.
  • Impacts of owned, semi‑owned, and feral cats on the natural environment.
  • Dogs at large, particularly in newer estates.
  • Concerns about animals involved in situations of domestic violence.
  • Need for pet‑related education materials and programs for new residents, new pet owners, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

The community was invited to:

  • Read the Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026–2029.
  • Provide feedback through the online form.
  • Vote for their favourite Mitchell Shire pet for inclusion in the final plan.
  • Attend drop‑in sessions across the Shire.
  • Submit written feedback via email, post, or at Customer and Library Service Centres.

Consultation closed on Monday 4 August 2025.

If you have questions please contact Adam Evans PH 03 5734 6200 Adam.Evans@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Have Your Say on our DRAFT Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029

    Our DRAFT Domestic Animal Management Plan has 27 documented outcomes with over 100 action items that we aim to deliver over the next 4 years.

     

    Some of these outcomes are related to regulatory requirements and therefore cannot be changed or altered based on Community feedback.

     

    Examples include:

     

    • Officer Training Requirements
    • Reporting Requirements
    • Inspection and management of Domestic Animal Businesses
    • Inspection and management of Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted breed dogs


    The rest of the outcomes are largely directed by the needs and priorities identified by stakeholders and the Mitchell Shire Community.

     

    Through our Pet Survey conducted earlier this year, and our Consultation in relation to dogs off leash in public places in December 2024, we hope to have accurately captured your concerns, wishes and feedback.

     

    To make sure that we have set priorities and outcomes that align with what you have told us, we are asking you to provide comment on the outcomes included in this DRAFT plan for actioning across the next 4 years.

    Consultation has concluded, thank you for your feedback
    Share Have Your Say on our DRAFT Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029 on Facebook Share Have Your Say on our DRAFT Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029 on Twitter Share Have Your Say on our DRAFT Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029 on Linkedin Email Have Your Say on our DRAFT Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029 link