Introduction

Our Animal Management Plan (AMP) sets the direction for the management of dogs and cats within our community for the next 5 years.

We are seeking feedback from our community (and those that use our shared public spaces) on our draft Plan that will guide our priorities for dog and cat management for 2026-2030.

Is there anything new in the Plan?

Many actions within the Plan are ongoing priorities for council or legislative requirements under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, however this plan does include some new initiatives in response to emerging trends in animal management. Overall, the plan encompasses:

• Education and support for responsible pet ownership
• Enhancing community safety and respectful use of our shared public spaces through education and reporting methods
• Reducing nuisance caused by dogs and cats through education, engagement and enforcement (where required)
• Increased focus on dog and cat impact on environment, wildlife and community health and wellbeing
• Increased focus on reviewing internal systems and processes to enhance service provision

View the full AMP or a Summary of the Key Actions.

The AMP is important because it:

• Guides Council’s dog and cat management priorities over the next 5 years
• Is required under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995
• Ensures Council is responding to emerging trends in animal management
• Is a strategic document that aids Council decision-making and resource allocation
• Aligns with the feedback provided by our community in the Community Vision

This draft Animal Management Plan encompasses priorities that meet legislative obligation under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, and aim to address emerging trends observed in animal management. These trends include increasing concern from community regarding cat management, safe and respectful use of our shared public spaces, and enhancing community safety through the reduction of dog attacks and harassments.

The initiatives within the plan are categorised by a commitment to investigating, improving and promoting: -

• Responsible pet ownership (increasing awareness and understanding of legislative requirements)
• Dog management and safety
• Cat management and safety
• Health and community
• Priorities for environment
• Animal management policy and process (to ensure Council staff have the knowledge, experience and skill to optimise service provision and delivery)