New plan for your pets

Published on 19 November 2025

Council’s new Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-29 promotes responsible pet ownership and animal welfare in our city.

The Plan was adopted at this week’s Council Meeting and outlines strategies to improve outcomes for pet owners and our community while meeting our requirements under the Domestic Animals Act 1994.

“Council is committed to creating a safe and harmonious community for people and pets,” said Mayor, Cr Pradeep Tiwari.

“This Plan focuses on education, support, and proactive measures to reduce dog attacks, nuisance animals, and overpopulation,” Mayor Tiwari continued.

Key initiatives include the introduction of a cat curfew, mandatory desexing, a subsidised desexing program and ongoing training for Animal Management Officers to support best practice outcomes.

In August, we shared the draft Plan with the community and received more than 950 responses in person, online and via mail.

This feedback helped us focus the Plan and introduce a dusk-to-dawn cat curfew from 7pm-7am following feedback regarding a 24/7 curfew.

The dusk-to-dawn cat curfew is designed to help keep our cats and local wildlife safe and will be introduced in a staged approach, with a focus on education before the curfew begins on 1 July 2026.

During the first year of the curfew, we will prioritise educating and supporting residents. Longer-term, the curfew will be reviewed and a 24/7 cat curfew will be revisited.

Download and read the plan here.