Let’s talk about our draft Animal Management Plan

Published on 20 August 2025

Council’s Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) is due to expire at the end of the year. As part of the development of the new plan, we want to know the community’s thoughts on the potential inclusion of a 24/7 cat curfew and mandatory desexing for cats in our City.

State Government legislation requires all Councils to develop and implement a DAMP every four years. They are an essential tool for Councils to promote responsible pet ownership, for the safety and welfare of both the community and all animals.

While most of the draft DAMP outlines Council’s legislative requirements, like pet registration and Animal Management Officer training and resourcing, we have strengthened our approach to animal management to reflect the expectations and needs of our community. This includes the proposal to introduce a 24/7 cat curfew and mandatory desexing for cats to be rolled out from 2026.

Mayor, Cr Pradeep Tiwari said about 50 per cent of Victorian Councils currently have a cat curfew, with another 20 per cent considering introducing one.

“Last year, Council asked the community for their views on the potential of a cat curfew and over 1,000 community members shared their thoughts. Over three quarters were in favour of a cat curfew in some form – either 24/7 or dusk to dawn,” he said.

The draft DAMP proposes that Council collaborate with community organisations around cat containment programs and options for low cost cat enclosures and discounted desexing for those facing financial hardship.

The draft DAMP also includes actions such as facilitating pet adoption days with Lost Dogs’ Home, ‘welcome’ and ‘new registration’ packs for owners, and investigating incentives for people who adopt pets from partner shelters.

Feedback from this conversation will help finalise the DAMP before it goes back to Council for consideration later in 2025. To share your thoughts or to find out details of in-person events, visit yourcityyourvoice.com.au/damp

Feedback closes midnight Sunday 21 September.

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